Decision details

RESOLVED:

That application 3/39/21/028 for the installation of a ground mounted solar farm with battery storage and associated development on land to the north of the Transmitting Station, Washford, Williton be REFUSED permission for the following reasons:

1.      The proposed development due to its scale, location, layout and appearance fails to take into account the local visual adverse impact on the landscape, notably in relation to the Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and is therefore contrary to Policy SD1, CC1 and NH5 and NH14 of the West Somerset Local Plan to 2032 (2016).

2.     The proposed development due to its scale and layout would result in the loss of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) Agricultural Land contrary to Policy NH8 of the West Somerset Local Plan to 2032 (2016)

(voting: unanimous in favour of refusal)