Agenda item

Report No: DEV/WS/22/038

Planning Application and Listed Building Consent - Installation of solar panels to rear roof of central barn

Planning Application and Listed Building Consent - Installation of solar panels to rear roof of central barn

These applications were originally considered at the Development Control Committee meeting on 3 August 2022, having been referred to the Committee by the Delegation Panel.

The Committee at the August meeting resolved that they were ‘minded to’ approve these applications; accordingly the Decision Making Protocol was invoked requiring a Risk Assessment report to be produced for further consideration by the Committee.

Members resolved that they were minded to approve the applications because they considered it to be a sustainable development, highlighting the contribution of the solar panels to the green agenda, providing renewable energy.

Members also considered that the proposal would not have a detrimental impact on the character, integrity and setting of the Grade II Listed Farm House, and would not contravene policy DM15. It was also stated that the proposal’s public benefits would outweigh any harm caused to the heritage asset.

The purpose of report before the Committee (No DEV/WS/22/038) was to provide a more detailed analysis of the public benefit that could be afforded to the Listed Building Consent proposal, as well as the Risk Assessment which set out the potential risks that could arise should Listed Building Consent and planning permission be approved.

Since publication of the agenda the Planning Officer advised that a further email had been received from the Parish Council reaffirming their support for the proposal.

Officers were continuing to recommend that the applications be refused for the reason set out in Paragraph 31 of the report.

Speaker:      Philip and Catherine Doe (applicants) spoke in support of the applications

                   (Mr and Mrs Doe were not in attendance to personally address the Committee and, instead, the Democratic Services Officer read out a pre-prepared statement on their behalf.)

A number of Members made comment on the applications, with considerable reference being made to the current energy crisis and the need to consider renewable forms of energy.

The Council’s Senior Conservation Officer was in attendance and was invited by the Chair to further elaborate on her reasons for recommending refusal.

Councillor Sara Mildmay-White voiced support for the applications and proposed they be approved, contrary to the Officer recommendation, as she did not consider that the scheme would cause significant harm, given the black materials on the roof of the barn and attributed greater weight to the public benefit it brought about in relation the green agenda. This was duly seconded by Councillor Carol Bull.

The Planning Officer then drew attention to Paragraph 14 of the report which contained a list of conditions that could be appended to the permissions, if granted.

Upon being put to the vote and with 15 voting for the motion and with 1 abstention, it was resolved that

Decision

Planning permission be GRANTED, CONTRARY TO THE OFFICER RECOMMENDATION, subject to the following conditions:

1.   The development hereby permitted shall be begun not later than three years from the date of this permission.

2.   The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and documents, unless otherwise stated.

And

Listed Building Consent be GRANTED, CONTRARY TO THE OFFICER RECOMMENDATION, subject to the following conditions:

1.   The works to which this consent relates must be begun not later than three years from the date of this notice.

2.   The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and documents, unless otherwise stated.

3.   The relevant works shall not take place until details in respect of the following have been submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA:

(i)                   Details of the solar panels to be installed and method of installation

(ii)                 Details of the proposed battery storage including its location, size and appearance and method of installation

The works shall be carried out in full accordance with the approved details unless otherwise subsequently approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.