Officers Report
The PO-MA introduced the Officers report and
recommendation for approval. He outlined the sites context,
location plan, areal views, as well as photographs of the various
elevations.
The SPO-MA provided photographic evidence of
the proposed roof tiles on the Northern roof, comprised of
traditional Spanish style slate tile, and the proposed photovoltaic
Solar Slates on the Southern Elevation, which would not be subject
to the same glint and glare issues associated with traditional PV
panels. He advised that that the applicant had provided information
on their energy consumption for the last full year which was 2018
(later years were impacted by COVID-19) amounting to 3683kWh. The
proposed PV slate roof was expected to generate 6754 kWh, with the
new electric heating and replacement lighting expected to consume
756 kWh. The proposal was therefore expected to approximately
generate a net gain of 2315 kWh to the National Grid per year.
The SPO-MA affirmed the main issues for
consideration; the principle of development; the effect of the
proposed development on the significance of designated heritage
assets; effect on residential amenity, highway safety and
biodiversity; and Coastal Erosion.
Public Speakers
Mr White - Supporting
Member’s Question’s and Debate
- The Local Member – Cllr W
Fredericks – spoke in support of the application which she
considered to be a trailblazer for other churches, noting that the
Bishop of Norwich’s vision for all churches in the County to
be greener. She commended the application for being common sense,
and if approved would see the removal of the old oil boiler and
leaking tank.
- Cllr N Lloyd expressed his support
for the application, and reflected that this type of scheme was
taking place across the Country including historic locations and
buildings within Cambridge University. He argued that the panels
would not be distinguishable from a typical slate tile to many
observers. Whilst understanding why the Conservation Officer had
objected to the proposal based on current NNDC adopted core
strategy policies, Cllr N Lloyd stated that the polices were
outdated and in need of addressing. He proposed acceptance of the
Officers recommendation.
- Cllr A Brown seconded the Officers
recommendation, and agreed with Cllr N Lloyd that having declared a
Climate Emergency it was important the Council support applications
which looked after the environment.
- Cllr P Heinrich reflected that
whilst the proposal would amount to a minor change in appearance,
it would make a significant and positive difference to the
environment.
- Cllr L Withington considered the
application in relation to the Coastal Transition and Acceptation
Programme, and stated that it was important to consider the
retrofitting of existing infrastructure to ensure they were fit for
the future.
- Cllr G Mancini-Boyle stated this was
a fantastic scheme which he hoped would be replicated across the
district.
- The Chairman noted that
replacement/repairs to the roof and heating system would ensure
that the Church be more amenable for community use, noting that
that active lunch club could be accommodated in the church.
IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED by
12 votes for.
That Planning
Application pf/22/1649 be APPROVED subject to the imposition of
conditions detailed in the Officers report. Final wording of
conditions to be delegated to the Assistant Director –
Planning.