This is a report on the NKDC Planning Meeting that took place in the Sleaford Council Chamber today, 23 September 2014.
The Meeting to consider the Planning Application to erect a solar array and electrical substation on the land north of Scopwick was Chaired by Cllr Woodman. The Vice Chairman, Cllr Money, stated that he had been employed in the past by the Blankney Estate and therefore read a prepared personal statement at the end of the Meeting but took no part in the discussion or the vote.
The members of the Committee had seen all the documents but a summary was presented by David Bates, the Principle Planning Officer. He said that the Application fell with the National Policy Framework for Renewable Energy and various other initiatives. The main consideration of visual impact was generally met and action to mitigate any shortfall was proposed and would be a condition of final approval. The main concern was the siting of the substation that would require screening and have a 23m pylon to connect supply into the existing overhead cables. It would be some consolation that the existing pylon south of Trundle Lane would be dismantled and moved north of the Lane where it would be less visible from Main Street. The array would be placed on the least productive land in the area and the installation could be removed and the land reinstated at the end of the anticipated 25 year life. The recommendation of the Planning Officer was that the Application should be approved.
Mr Dowty representing Hazell Capital addressed the Committee and confirmed the points that had already been made in the Application.
Sarah Jackson from Scopwick spoke for the opponents of the scheme. She stated that there was a most serious concern about electrical radiation from the 42 electrical inverters that will be spread throughout the sites. The effect could extend for hundreds of metres and a number of studies are currently investigating this. The potential for affecting children was not known and should not be risked. She also questioned the effect on wildlife in the area saying that the common way of controlling vegetation at other sites is to spray with glyphosate rendering the area barren. Also the scale of the development was disproportionate to the countyside and she invited the committee delay their decision until they had personally visited the site and, if they did not reject the proposal outright, then they should approve only the eastern block alongside the railway line.
A number of Committee members then spoke. In response to a question the Planning Officer explained how Western Power had rejected on technical grounds the strong suggestion that the substation be erected out of sight within Longwood Quarry.
The two District Councillors who represent our Parish, Cllr Whittle and Cllr Cartwright both acknowledged that there was a body of opinion within the Parish opposed to the Application. However, the grounds for that opposition were not substantial enough prevent a scheme that was in line with national policy and was not opposed by the Parish Council.
The Application was put to the vote and approved unanimously.
Joe Kennard
Clerk
