Agenda and minutes

Members heard apologies from Councillors S Morgan and Sir B Stanier Bt.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held 15 November 2023.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th November 2023 be agreed as a correct record.

There were none.

Before consideration of the application, committee members received a brief overview of the changes made to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which came into effect the day prior to the meeting. In particular, those alterations that would impact the consideration of the application. These were as follows:

·       Paragraph 158 of the NPPF was now 163. Criteria a) had changed to advise that there should be a greater emphasis on the contribution of renewable or low carbon energy to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

·       Paragraph 181 of the NPPF (December 2023) had an added requirement to consider the availability of agricultural land used for food production. However, the requirement related to Plan making and deciding what sites are most appropriate for development. For the purposes of decision making in relation to the application on the meeting agenda, the relevant policy in relation to agricultural land was VALP policy NE7.

A more general briefing note on the changes to the NPPF would be circulated to members in due course.

Proposal: Construction and operation of a solar farm together with all associated works, equipment, and necessary infrastructure.

Speakers

Councillor/Local Member: Councillor John Chilver

Parish/Town Council: Councillor Sasha Lousada (Beachampton Parish Council)

Objector: Alison Huizeling

Agent/Applicant: Mr Richard Morrison (agent) and Mr James Wallwork (applicant)

During discussion and debate, members made clear their view that efforts to replace any trees that died during construction should be explored with the applicant as part of condition seven of the case officer’s report.

It was proposed by Councillor H Mordue, seconded by Councillor A Bond and

RESOLVED

That application 22/03492/APP be approved subject to the recommended conditions as updated in the supplement to the case officer’s report, and any amendments or additional conditions considered necessary.

To confirm Members’ availability to undertake site visits if required.

Details on any site visits deemed appropriate by the Chairman to occur prior to an application’s consideration at the next scheduled meeting of the Committee would be communicated to Members as necessary.

17 January 2024

17^th January 2024