Minutes:
89.1 Item 7B
Application DC/22/04021
Proposal Full Planning Application - Construction and operation of Synchronous Condensers with ancillary infrastructure, and associated works including access and landscaping.
Site Location Land at The Leys and Ivy Farm, Mellis Road, Yaxley, Suffolk, IP21 4BT
Applicant Conrad Energy Ltd
89.2 The case officer presented the application to the committee outlining the proposals before members including: the purpose and use of synchronised condensers, the location of the site, the site constraints, the proposed layout of the site, the proposed elevations of the various elements of the proposal, the landscape mitigation plan, the landscape designations and constraints in the area, the access to the site, and the officer recommendation of approval.
89.3 The Case Officer responded to questions from Members on issues including: the reason for the proposal being located at this site and the connection Yaxley substation, the noise assessment, landscaping, the planning history at the site, and whether any work had commenced at the site.
89.4 Members considered the representation from Philip Freeman who spoke on behalf of Yaxley Parish Council.
89.5 The Planning Lawyer responded to comments from the Parish Council Representative regarding their request to suspend the meeting, and advised Members that the correct legal procedures had been followed.
89.6 The Parish Council Representative responded to questions from Members regarding the recent Freedom of Information request submitted by them to Mid Suffolk District Council.
89.7 The Case Officer provided Members with further details regarding the noise assessment and comparison levels.
89.8 The Parish Council Representative responded to further questions from Members regarding the response from the flood consultant.
89.9 Members considered the representation from Jonathan Cooper who spoke as the Applicant.
89.10 The Applicant responded to questions from Members on issues including whether any alternative sites had been considered, when the contract with the landowner would commence, and whether the location had any impact on the effectiveness of the proposal.
89.11 The Case Officer responded to questions from Members regarding the potential flood issues and the attenuation basin.
89.12 The Applicant responded to further questions from Members regarding the potential noise issues.
89.13 Members considered the representation from Councillor David Burn who spoke as the Ward Member.
89.14 Members debated the application on issues including: the location of the site, and the need for renewable energy.
89.15 Councillor Humphreys MBE proposed that the application be approved as detailed in the officer recommendation.
89.16 Members continued to debate the application on issues including: the size of the building and the impact of the visual amenity of the area, and the adequacy of the noise conditions.
89.17 The Environmental Health Officer provided clarification to Members regarding the noise assessment and the conditions to be applied.
89.18 Councillor Meyer seconded the proposal.
89.19 Members debated the application further on issues including: the fact that the proposal is not located close to any residential areas, the lack of information, concerns over noise, and landscaping.
By a vote of 4 votes for and 4 votes against, leading to the Chairmans casting vote
It was RESOLVED:-
That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT Planning Permission subject to conditions as summarised below and those as may be deemed necessary by the Chief Planning Officer:
· Time limit
· Approved plans
· Temporary access – for construction only and reinstatement plan
· Construction management to include vehicle routing same as for Progress Power / Yaxley sub construction traffic
· Surface water drainage conditions.
· Wildlife sensitive lighting scheme to be agreed.
· Carry out in accordance with ecology mitigation recommendations
· Operational noise assessment
· Landscaping scheme
· Landscape management plan
· Archaeology
And the following informative notes as summarised and those as may be deemed necessary:
· Pro active working statement
· SCC Highways notes
Supporting documents: