Agenda item

Proposed temporary (30 years) change of use from agriculture to agriculture and solar photovoltaic farm with associated static arrays of photovoltaic panels together with cabins to contain inverter cabinets and transformers, storage cabin and a cabin to house a substation, with perimeter fencing, CCTV network, trackways, landscaping and ecological enhancements at land between M20 and M26 west of Ford Lane, Wrotham Heath.

RESOLVED:  That planning permission be APPROVED in accordance with the submitted details set out in the supplementary report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health subject to:

-        Referral of the application to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2009

-        The conditions, reasons and informatives set out in the main report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health, subject to:

(1)             Amended Conditions:

5.         Development shall not commence until a Construction Environmental Management Plan detailing how the habitats and hedgerows within and surrounding the site will be protected during the construction phase.  This shall also include details of appropriate fencing to restrict access into key ecological areas, information on any timing restrictions and measures to prevent damage to sensitive ecological habitats.  The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved Management Plan.

Reason: To safeguard protected species and protect the biodiversity of the local area.

6.         Development shall not commence until a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan that details how the retained hedgerows and habitats, and newly planted areas are to be managed to maximise their biodiversity value and achieve the objectives of ecological mitigation and compensation, which shall set out any measures necessary to ensure protected species are appropriately accommodated within the operational site.  The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved Management Plan.

Reason: To safeguard protected species and protect the biodiversity of the local area

(2)         Additional Conditions:

18.       The applicant is required to provide a Glint and Glare Assessment to identify any potential locations on the site that would produce glint or glare that would be visible from the Strategic Road Network.  The assessment which shall include any proposed mitigation shall be issued to the Local Planning Authority and approved by Highways England by commencement of works on site.

Reason:  To ensure the safe operation of the Strategic Road Network, that drivers are not distracted by glint and glare from the solar panels.

19.       The applicant is required to provide a Construction Management Plan detailing appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that the risk of dust and airborne particles are minimised.  Any mitigation measures should be agreed with Connect plus Services (CPS), who are the maintenance and operations contractor managing the M25 DBFO on behalf of Highways England, prior to commencement of the works.

Reason:  Due to the close proximity of the works to the adjacent M20 and M26 Motorways there is a potential risk that any airborne dust created by either the construction of the compound or access track works during the construction stage may have a safety impact on motorway users.

20.       There shall be no vehicular access directly or works undertaken from the Strategic Road Network associated with the development, both during construction and during operations of the site at all times.

Reason:  To ensure the safe operation of the Strategic Road Network, that drivers are not distracted by glint and glare from the solar panels.

21.       Tree planting to mitigate the glare that may be experienced by passing drivers must be wholly within the site boundary, and maintained by the developer, with no access being granted directly from the motorway or adjacent land under the control of Highways England, demarcated by the motorway fencing.  Any existing or future planting within Highways England’s boundary shall not be relied upon to screen against glint or glare.

Reason:  To ensure the safe operation of the Strategic Road Network, that drivers are not distracted by glint and glare from the solar panels.

(3)         Informatives

1.         The applicant should liaise with the highways authority to survey the condition of the highway infrastructure before and after the construction of the development to ensure that any damage to the highway is repaired.  The applicant is asked to consult The Community Delivery Manager, Kent County Council, Kent Highway Services, Double Day House, St Michaels Close, Aylesford  Tel: 08458 247 800.

2.         The applicant should provide the necessary wheel washing facilities prior to commencement of work on the site and for the duration of construction of the development.

3.         The developer should be made aware that consent will need to be obtained from Highways England to use the access road that links the application site with the adopted highway.

4.         The applicant is invited to liaise with Highways England to ensure measures to minimised fly tipping in the vicinity.

[Speakers:  Wrotham Parish Council (Mr H Rayner), Campaign for Protection of Rural England (Mr P Gillin) and Mr H House – applicant]