Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER

Electrical connection between the approved Priory Farm Solar Array (application reference: 21/03380/FP) and Wymondley Substation, Blakemore End Road, St Ippolyts (as amended by plans and documents received 11th and 17th March 2025).

RESOLVED: That application 24/02333/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

Audio recording – 2 hours 52 minutes 10 seconds

The Senior Planning Officer then presented the report in respect of Application 24/02333/FP supported by a visual presentation consisting of plans and photographs.

N.B. Cllr Caroline McDonnell declared an interest in this item due to being a Wymondley Parish Councillor and left the Chamber.

In response to a question from Councillor Dave Winstanley, the Senior Planning Officer advised that 10% biodiversity net gain would be achieved by the provision of an off-site mitigation area.

The Chair invited Mr Luke Rogers, as the applicant, to speak in support of this application. Mr Rogers thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided the Committee with a verbal presentation, including that:

·       This application was a thoughtful and clean energy proposal, just like the original application.

·       The original application had an alternative cable route which would have closed roads, this raised concerns in local community and this new application developed a new route to mitigate this.

·       The aim was to reduce impact for daily life and throughout consultation this had no objections.

·       Drilling would take place entirely underground to protect ecological features and the cabling would be invisible once fitted.

·       The application aligned with local and national planning rules and was supported by Officers at the Council.

Councillor Ruth Brown proposed to grant permission and this was seconded by Councillor Ian Mantle and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That application 24/02333/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

N.B. Cllr Caroline McDonnell returned to the chamber at 22:02.