Agenda item

Public Participation

Mrs Charlotte Watkins spoke in objection to the application.

Mr David Pearce, agent, spoke in support of the application.

The Planning Officer introduced a report which, modified by the late observations provided at the meeting, recommended that approval be granted, subject to conditions. It was noted that the application was retrospective, and that the key issues included the impact on the landscape and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the affect on the amenity of neighbouring properties.

Details were then provided on the scale and number of solar panels on the application site, and it was stated that a landscaping planting plan to screen views had now been produced. It was noted that the County Landscape Officer raised no objection subject to the submission of a landscaping planting plan, and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) broadly concurring with those comments.

The Committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions of officers. Potential limits on the number of solar panels on site was raised, and the adequacy of the proposed screening of trees was discussed in relation to the nearest residential property.

Members of the public then had the opportunity to address the Committee with their views, as detailed above.

A debate followed, where the distance from the nearest residential properties to the site in conjunction with the adjoining presence of the agricultural and commercial business park and the resulting slight impact of the application was discussed. The specifics of the proposed landscaping planting plan were also raised.

After debate, it was,

Resolved:

That Planning Permission be GRANTED for the following reason:

The development is considered to be acceptable in principle and, subject to additional planting for mitigation and enhancement purposes, on balance it is considered that the proposal would not have an unacceptable impact on the landscape and natural beauty of the Area of Outstanding Beauty nor would unduly harm the amenities of neighbouring dwellings. As such the proposal  would generally accord with policies C1, C3, NE4, NE15 and NE16 of the North Wiltshire Local Plan 2011.   

And Subject to the following conditions:

1. The development hereby approved shall be discontinued and the land restored to its former condition on or before 25 years from the date of this permission in accordance with a scheme for the decommissioning and restoration of the development site, details of which shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such details shall include how the land will be restored back to full agricultural use upon the development no longer being in operation or upon the expiry of 25 years from the date of this planning permission, whichever is the sooner. The decommissioning and restoration of the development site shall be carried out in complete accordance with the scheme so agreed.

REASON:  Reason: In the interests of amenity and the finite operation of this type of development and to ensure that upon the development no longer being in use, the complete removal of all development allowed under this permission and the restoration of the land to its former condition.

2. All soft landscaping comprised in the approved details of landscaping shall be carried out in the first planting season following the date of this permission. All shrubs, trees and hedge planting shall be maintained free from weeds and shall be protected from damage by vermin and stock. Any trees or plants which, within a period of five years, die, are removed, or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority. 

REASON: To ensure a satisfactory landscaped setting for the development and the protection of existing important landscape features.

3. The development hereby permitted shall be implemented in accordance with the submitted plans and documents listed below. No variation from the approved plans should be made without the prior approval of the local planning authority. Amendments may require the submission of a further application.

·         LDC Site Plan 1639.001, LDC Site Layout and Fence Details 1639.002, LDC 1639.003 Panel Details, received on 1^st May 2012.

·         LDC Landscaping Plan received on 13^th July 2012.

·         LDC Revised Drawing 1639.004A received 7th August 2012

REASON: To ensure that the development is implemented as approved.