Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutions.

Apologies were received from Cllr Andy Sully.

To approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

Resolved that the minutes of the Planning Committee - West held on 21 November 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive and note any declarations of interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.

(The other registrable interests of Councillors of Somerset Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes: City, Town & Parish Twin Hatters - Somerset Councillors 2023 )

It was noted that all members of the Committee had received correspondence from the Applicant for planning application 23/22/0028.

Cllr Gwil Wren declared an Other Registerable Interest in respect of application 23/22/0028 as he was the Division member and had been briefed of this application as a district councillor and had past associations with both Milverton and Halse parish councils. He also knew the landowner, one of the main objectors and the Chair of Milverton Parish Council. Whilst having considerable knowledge of the application he believed that he had no conflict of interest and it had not fettered his discretion.

The Chair to advise the Committee of any items on which members of the public have requested to speak and advise those members of the public present of the details of the Council’s public participation scheme.

For those members of the public who have submitted any questions or statements, please note, a three minute time limit applies to each speaker.

Requests to speak at the meeting at Public Question Time must be made to the Monitoring Officer in writing or by email to democraticservicesteam@somerset.gov.uk  by 5pm on day, date, year – usually Weds before.

No members of the public had registered to address the Committee.

To consider an application for the installation and operation of solar farm with associated works, equipment and infrastructure on land at Preston Farm, Preston Bowyer, Milverton.

That planning application 23/22/0028 for the installation and operation of solar farm with associated works, equipment and infrastructure on land at Preston Farm, Wiveliscombe Road, Preston Bowyer, Milverton be GRANTED permission subject to the conditions listed in the Agenda report.

(voting: 8 in favour, 3 abstentions)

The Planning Officer introduced the application to the Committee with the

assistance of a PowerPoint presentation.

The Committee was addressed by two objectors who raised their concerns which included the loss of arable land and the fire risk to nearby woodland.

The Applicant and two supporters also addressed the Committee and their comments included the need for solar energy in the current climate change emergency, that the temporary use of the land would be fully reversible and the biodiversity net gain it would create during its lifetime.

In response to questions from Members it was confirmed that:

·         Approximately 20%-25% of the site was within the parish of Halse and 75%-80% within the parish of Milverton.

·         The site contained agricultural land of grades 1, 2, 3a & 3b and had previously been used for arable crops, but was currently being used as pasture for cattle.

·         That the Applicant had a connection to the National Grid lined up.

·         After 40 years the land would have to be restored to its former condition (including suitable engagements) to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.

Whilst the Committee had reservations over the temporary, albeit for 40 years, loss of good quality agricultural land they had to balance this against the Council’s Core Strategy Policy and Climate Emergency Strategy as well as the new National Policy Statement for Energy that came into force on 17 January 2024.

After some debate It was proposed by Councillor Rigby to approve the application and this was seconded by Councillor Pugsley.

Resolved

That planning application 23/22/0028 for the installation and operation of solar farm with associated works, equipment and infrastructure on land at Preston Farm, Wiveliscombe Road, Preston Bowyer, Milverton be GRANTED permission subject to the conditions listed in the Agenda report.

(voting: 8 in favour, 3 abstentions) Cllr Wren abstained from voting.

To consider an application for the erection of a two storey extension to the side of dwelling and creation of vehicular access at Palmers Green Cottage, Stewley Road, Hatch Beauchamp.

That planning application 19/23/0006 for the Erection of a two storey extension to the side of dwelling and creation of vehicular access at Palmers Green Cottage, Stewley Road, Hatch Beauchamp be GRANTED permission subject to the conditions listed in the Agenda report.

(voting: unanimous in favour)

The Planning Officer presented the report with the aid of a presentation.

The Applicant spoke in support of his application.

It was commented that the proposal was an improvement and Members noting that the only reason the application was before them was that the Agent regularly worked for the Authority felt that it was appropriate to grant permission.

It was proposed by Councillor Wren to approve the application and this was

seconded by Councillor Rigby.

Resolved

That planning application 19/23/0006 for the erection of a two storey extension to the side of dwelling and creation of vehicular access at Palmers Green Cottage, Stewley Road, Hatch Beauchamp be GRANTED permission subject to the conditions listed in the Agenda report.

(voting: unanimous in favour)

Members noted the appeal decisions.