Installation and operation of a ground mount solar photovoltaic farm, inclusive of solar arrays, transformers, substation, battery storage units, civils infrastructure, and fencing for the purpose of generating and exporting clean energy to the electricity grid network.
The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.
Reason: To conform with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.
Unless where required or allowed by other conditions attached to this permission, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the information (including details on the proposed materials) provided on the application form and the following plans/drawings/documents –
Figure 1 0.B Site Location Plan
Figure 2 Site Layout Plans 2258.M4.001.Z (6 sheets)
Figure 3 Solar Panel Elevations 2258.M4. 018.3.G
Figure 4 Transformer 2258.M4.014.1.A
Figure 5 Substation 2258.E0.055.1.D (3 sheets)
Figure 6 Spare Parts Container 2258.M4.021.3.A
Figure 7 Battery Storage Container 2258.M4.023.1.A
Figure 8 Cable Trench Cross Section 2258.E4.017.3A
Figure 9 Fence and Gate 2258.M4.016.3C
Figure 10 Track Cross-Section 2258.M4.31.3.C
Figure 11 Site Entrance and Visibility Splays 2258.M4.38.2.D (2 sheets)
Figure 12 Hedge and Gate 2258.M4.037.3.A
Figure 13 Cross Section Drawings 2258.M4.001.0.D (3 sheets)
Mitigation Strategy by Tyler Grange dated 24 March 2021- TG Report No. 12393_R02a_MB_MM
Reason: To define the permission.
When the land ceases to be used as a photovoltaic park for renewable power production or at the end of the period of 35 years from the date of grid connection (such date to have been notified to the Local Planning Authority in writing within one month of the grid connection) whichever shall first occur, the use hereby permitted shall cease and all materials and equipment brought on the land in connection with the use permitted shall be removed and the land restored to its previous state or as otherwise agreed, in accordance with details that have been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the decommissioning works taking place. Such details shall include timescales for decommissioning.
Reason: In the interests of visual and residential amenity in accordance with South Worcestershire Local Plan policies SWDP2, SWDP21 and SWDP25.
A) No development shall take place until a programme of archaeological work, including a Written Scheme of Investigation, has been submitted to and approved by the local planning authority in writing. The scheme shall include an assessment of significance and research questions; and:
1) The programme and methodology of site investigation and recording.
2) The programme for post investigation assessment.
3) Provision to be made for analysis of the site investigation and recording.
4) Provision to be made for publication and dissemination of the analysis and records of the site investigation.
5) Provision to be made for archive deposition of the analysis and records of the site investigation.
6) Nomination of a competent person or persons/organisation to undertake the works set out within the Written Scheme of Investigation.
(B) The development shall not be occupied until the site investigation and post investigation assessment has been completed in accordance with the programme set out in the Written Scheme of Investigation approved under condition (A) and the provision made for analysis, publication and dissemination of results and archive deposition has been secured.
Reason: In accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 189 and 199 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (as amended) and SWDP 6 & 24 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan 2016.
Before any other works hereby approved are commenced, the reconstruction of the existing field gated access and the construction of the proposed vehicular roadway between the nearside edge of the adjoining carriageway to the new set back gated entrance shall be carried out in accordance with a specification to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
Reason: In the interests of highway safety.
No development shall commence until a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The CTMP shall include measures to ensure that the surfacing of the existing vehicular access is improved and then so maintained throughout the duration of the construction period, the timing and routing of heavy goods vehicles visiting the site insofar as these are capable of being controlled by the operator and how the highway is to be kept clear of any mud, stones or other deleterious material during the construction phase. The development shall then be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved CTMP.
Reason: In the interests of highway safety and the free flow of traffic.
No development shall take place (including any ground works, demolition or clearance) until a construction environmental management plan (CEMP: Biodiversity) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The CEMP (Biodiversity) shall include the following:
a. Description and evaluation of the features to be managed including surveys of ground nesting birds prior to installation of solar panels;
b. Risk assessment of potentially damaging construction activities;
c. Identification of "biodiversity protection zones";
d. Practical measures (both physical measures and sensitive working practices) to avoid or reduce impacts during construction (may be provided as a set of method statements);
e. The location and timing of sensitive works to avoid harm to biodiversity features;
f. The times during construction when specialist ecologists need to be present;
g. Responsible persons and lines of communication;
h. The role and responsibilities on site of an ecological clerk of works or similarly competent person;
i. Use of protective fences, exclusion barriers and warning signs.
j. Details of how conflict between the construction works and the public rights of way will be addressed
The approved CEMP shall be adhered to and implemented throughout the construction period strictly in accordance with the approved details, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.
Reason: To ensure compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and SWDP policy 22.
No development including site works, other than improvements to the site access, shall begin until the trees and hedges located on the boundaries of the application site and those within the site have been protected in accordance with details first submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The trees and hedges shall be protected in accordance with the approved details for the duration of building and other development operations at the application site.
Reason: The hedges and tree are an important feature in the area and merit protection while building works take place on the site, in accordance with South Worcestershire Development Plan policies SWDP22 and SWDP25.
Notwithstanding the submitted Drainage Strategy and plans showing the indicative locations of swales, no solar panels shall be erected until full details of the design, implementation, maintenance and management of sustainable urban drainage/surface water drainage works including the use of swales have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The submitted details shall:
1. provide information about the design storm period and intensity, the method employed to delay and control the surface water discharged from the site and the measures taken to prevent pollution of the receiving groundwater and/or surface waters;
2. include details of any alterations to the layout plans for the solar panels needed in order to enable the drainage works; 3. include a timetable for its implementation; and
4. provide a management and maintenance plan for the lifetime of the development which shall include the arrangements for adoption by any public authority or statutory undertaker and any other arrangements to secure the operation of the scheme throughout its lifetime.
The development shall be carried out, and the drainage maintained/managed, in accordance with the approved details.
Reason: To ensure the proposed development does not exacerbate flood risk and deals with surface water run-off from the site in a sustainable manner, in accordance with policies SWDP28 and SWDP29 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan.
A landscape and ecological management plan (LEMP) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the first use of the development hereby approved. The content of the LEMP shall include the following:
a. Description and evaluation of the features to be managed including surveys of ground nesting birds prior to installation of solar panels;
b. Ecological trends and constraints on site that might influence management.
c. Aims and objectives of management;
d. Appropriate management options for achieving aims and objectives including a schedule of biodiversity enhancements
e. Prescriptions for management actions;
f. Preparation of a work schedule, including an annual work plan capable of being rolled forward over a five-year period and for the lifetime of the development thereafter;
g. Details of the body or organisation responsible for implementation of the plan; and
h. Ongoing monitoring and remedial measures.
The plan shall also set out how instances will be dealt with where the results of the monitoring show that conservation aims and objectives of the LEMP are not being met, including the agreement and implementation of contingencies and/or remedial action so that the development still delivers the fully functioning biodiversity objectives of the originally approved scheme. The approved LEMP will be implemented in full. Any changes to the approved LEMP must be agreed in writing with the LPA.
Reason: To ensure that the proposed development contributes to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity within the site and for the wider area in accordance with South Worcestershire Development Plan policy SWDP 22 and to ensure compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.
Before the first use of the development hereby permitted a scheme of landscaping shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The landscaping scheme shall include:- (i) a plan(s) showing the layout of proposed tree, hedge and shrub planting and grass areas. (ii) a schedule of proposed planting - indicating species, sizes at time of planting and numbers/densities of plants. (iii) a written specification outlining cultivation and other operations associated with plant and grass establishment. (iv) a schedule of maintenance, including the height of hedges and the watering and the control of competitive weed growth, for a minimum period of five years from first planting.
All planting and seeding/turfing shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details in the first planting and seeding/turfing seasons following the completion or first occupation/use of the development, whichever is the sooner. The planting shall be maintained in accordance with the approved schedule of maintenance. Any trees or plants which, within a period of five years from the completion of the planting, die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species.
Reason: To ensure the proposed development does not have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area in accordance with policies SWDP21 and SWDP25 of South Worcestershire Development Plan.
No fencing or other boundary treatments shall be installed or erected other than in accordance with details that have first been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority confirming provision for mammals to access and utilise the site as part of their territories.
Reason: To ensure compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and South Worcestershire Development Plan policy SWDP22.
No external lighting shall be installed within the site other than in accordance with details that have first been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The details shall include times when the external lighting will not be switched on.
Reason: To ensure the proposed development does not have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area and biodiversity in accordance with policies SWDP21, SWDP22 and SWDP25 of South Worcestershire Development Plan.
Prior to the first use of the development hereby permitted one Electric Vehicle Charging point shall be provided and made fully operational for site users. The charging point shall be retained thereafter.
Reason: To enable charging of plug-in and other ultra-low emission vehicles in safe, accessible and convenient locations in accordance with paragraph 110 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
Positive and Proactive Statement. In dealing with this application, the Council has worked with the applicant in the following ways:- providing pre-application advice;
- seeking further information following receipt of the application;
- seeking amendments to the proposed development following receipt of the application;
and - considering the imposition of conditions.
In such ways the Council has demonstrated a positive and proactive manner in seeking solutions to problems arising in relation to the planning application.
Due to potential impacts on a protected species, a licence will be required from Natural England, as set out in the Mitigation Strategy by Tyler Grange dated 24 March 2021- TG Report No. 12393_R02a_MB_MM.
This consent does not authorise the erection of temporary direction signs on the public highway. Should the applicant wish to direct traffic to the development site they should seek the consent of the Highway Authority. All temporary directional sign proposals should be submitted to Worcestershire County Council, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP. No signs should be erected without the consent of the Highway Authority.
Before any work is commenced upon the development hereby approved representatives of Worcestershire County Council, as the Highway Authority and the applicant, should carry out a joint road survey/inspection on the roads leading to this site. Any highlighted defects should be rectified to the specification and satisfaction of the Highway Authority before work is commenced on the development hereby approved. A further joint survey/inspection should be undertaken following completion of development hereby approved and any necessary remedial works completed to the specification and satisfaction of the Highway Authority within one month or other agreed timescale.
It is understood that the applicant will be applying for the temporary closure of the rights of way during the construction phase. Please note that at least 8 weeks’ notice will be required prior to the proposed start date of the closure/s. Application should be made to the Public Rights of Way Team at Worcestershire County Council. No works that affect the right/s of way should be carried out until the commencement date of any granted temporary closure order.
The applicant should also be aware of and adhere to the following obligations towards any public right of way affected by the development:
- No disturbance of, or change to, the surface of the path or part thereof should be carried out without written consent from the County Council.
- There must be no diminution in the width of the right of way available for use by the public.
- Buildings materials must not be stored on the right of way.
- Vehicle movements and parking to be arranged so as not to unreasonably interfere with the public’s use of the right of way.
The Planning Committee consider that it would represent good practice if an informal community liaison group is set up between the developer and the Parish Council to discuss any matters that may arise during the construction and operation of the development.
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In addition to consultations with the consultee listed, we will publicise the application in accordance with national requirements and our local policy.
This publicity usually takes the form of letters to nearby properties, the posting of site notices and/or the placing of a public notice in our local newspapers.
Name
Address
Sent
Reply Received
Adam
3 Larches Cottages
Hill Furze Road
Hill Furze
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2NA
03/11/2020
Ann Belcher
Corner House
Church End
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2LT
11/11/2020
Ann Belcher
Corner House
Church End
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2LT
10/04/2021
Anne & Graham Boocock
11 Babylon Lane
Bishampton
WR10 2NN
27/11/2020
Anthony Dawson
6 Wellfield
Broad Lane
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2LY
04/11/2020
Arthur G Redman
New Barn Farm
Bishampton Road
Flyford Flavell
WORCESTER
WR7 4BX
03/12/2020
Barry Newman
Tinsley House
Church Lane
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2FA
10/11/2020
Barry Newman
17/11/2020
Barry Newman
17/11/2020
Barry Newman
17/11/2020
Barry Newman
17/11/2020
Barry Newman
Tinsley House
Church Lane
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2FA
17/11/2020
Betina Adams
Mollys Cottage
Hill Furze
Fladbury
PERSHORE
WR10 2NB
08/11/2020
Bob Weaver
22
Barass Avenue
Worcester
WR4 0QD
19/11/2020
Brian Ross Yates
21 Babylon Lane
Bishampton
Pershore
WR10 2NN
10/11/2020
Carol Dyson
Church View
Abberton Road
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2LU
12/11/2020
Caroline Screen
Flat 3, 11 St James Road
Malvern
17/10/2020
Carolyn Morris
9 Tilesford Park
Long Lane
Tilesford
Throckmorton
PERSHORE
WR10 2LA
06/11/2020
Charles Rigg
4 Stanton Fields
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2NW
10/11/2020
Charles Rigg
4 Stanton Fields
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2NW
05/11/2020
Charles Rigg
4 Stanton Fields
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2NW
02/12/2020
Chris Newson
23 Ashcroft Road
Worcester
WR1 3HX
03/11/2020
Chris Newson
23 Ashcroft Road
Worcester
WR1 3HX
03/11/2020
Christopher Cooke
12, Manor Court Road, Bromsgrove, B60 3NW
17/10/2020
D Underwood
Fyfield
Church End
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2LT
05/11/2020
David Cox
6 Manor Fields
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2PF
08/11/2020
David Haslam
59 Burford Road
EVESHAM
WR11 3AG
26/11/2020
David Palmer
1 Northmostown Court
Northmostown
Sidmouth
02/12/2020
David Taylor
Lower Barn Farm House
Abbots Lench
Bishampton
EVESHAM
WR11 4UP
02/12/2020
Deborah Muitt
Flaxen Hill House
Hill Furze Road
Hill Furze
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2LZ
07/11/2020
Dr Graham Martin
Wagtails
Broadway Road
Aston Somerville
BROADWAY
WR12 7JF
06/04/2021
Dr John D S Birks
Glen Cottage
Lower Dingle
West Malvern
WR14 4BQ
20/11/2020
Dr Peter King
49, Stourbridge Road, Hagley, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 0QS
03/12/2020
Duncan Bell
1F Lowesmoor Terrace
18/11/2020
E Saunders
The White House
24 The Ridgeway
New End
Astwood Bank
REDDITCH
B96 6LT
03/12/2020
Edward Grantham Righton
Hill Court Farm
Hill
Lower Moor
PERSHORE
WR10 2PP
09/11/2020
Ellie
18 Ypres Way
EVESHAM
WR11 2SJ
08/11/2020
ERIC JONES
9 Stanton Fields
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2NW
11/11/2020
Fay Beddowes
Woodside
Main Street
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2NL
28/11/2020
Gavin
Bourbon House
Abberton Lane
Abberton
PERSHORE
WR10 2NR
03/12/2020
Gemma Chope
3 Larches Cottages
Hill Furze Road
Hill Furze
Bishampton
PERSHORE
WR10 2NA
