Issue - meetings

To consider report of the  Service Manager Development & Estates

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager – Development & Estates.

The Service Manager – Development and Estates spoke to the report which had been presented to inform Members of the decision of the Planning Inspectorate in respect of a planning appeal against the refusal of permission to extend the operational life of the proposed 30MW solar park at Wauntysswg Farm from 30 to 40 years (Ref: C/2019/0280). The Services Manager referred to the Planning Committee held on 6^th February, 2020 where it was resolved that planning permission be refused contrary to officer’s advice and delegate authority to officers to issue a reason for refusal. The Service Manager advised that following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate the applicant also made an application for costs to the Council.

The Service Manager further outlined the appeal decision which had been allowed by the Planning Inspectorate and had also awarded full costs to the appellant.

A Member noted that the Minister had overturned the original decision and now an Inspector had imposed a further 10 years. The Member felt that local democracy had been overturned and Tredegar Town Council as statutory consultees had written to the Minister to place on record their disappointment in the decision.

Another Member felt that the solar park could be further extended at the end of the agreed period. The Service Manager confirmed that the developer was able to make an application vary the conditions of the permission at any time.

Members raised further concerns around the tone of the Inspectors report and asked what information were the Planning Inspectorate provided as maybe the debate had not been reflected in the minutes.

The Service Manager advised that reports, background papers, minutes and any related documents are all provided to the Planning Inspectorate.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the information related to the appeal and cost decisions for planning application C/2019/0280 as attached at Appendix 1 be noted.