Agenda and minutes

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12 and 19 June 2023.

The minutes of the meetings held on 12 and 19 June 2023 were taken as read, approved and signed by the Chair as correct.

No declarations of interest were made by Members.

To consider the report of the Director City Development.

The Principal Project Manager (Development Management) (HS) presented the application for the erection of a fixed ground mounted Solar Photovoltaic array with an expected capacity of no less than 1.07MWp of generating capacity, a transformer substation, cable run, associated access, fencing, biodiversity measures and ancillary works.

The Principal Project Manager (Development Management) (HS) described the location of the site through a site plan, an aerial view, photos of different views, including those from across the city, landscape and biodiversity enhancements, an illustrative site layout plan and drawings of site sections and construction details, the report also setting out the following key elements:-

·         the principle of development;

·         scale, design, impact on character and appearance;

·         impact on residential amenity;

·         access;

·         wildlife, ecology and biodiversity;

·         impact on landscape setting of the city and the Duryard Valley Park; and

·         net zero and renewable energy generation.

The Principal Project Manager (Development Management) (HS) provided further detail of the application:-

·         the site comprised a field sloping down towards the south and west where it is bounded by established treed landscape. The proposed development would extend to two to three hectares with one hectare being the solar array. The remainder of the application site was required to accommodate the construction of a temporary access track and associated landscaping as well as biodiversity mitigation and enhancement measures;

·         the angles of the solar panels would vary, being 10 degrees at the top of the site and 30 degrees at the bottom;

·         the site fell within the Duryard Valley Park and was designated a Site of Nature Conservation Importance and County Wildlife Site. The site of the solar array was Grade 3 agricultural land;

·         a temporary construction access with a crossing of the brook was also proposed with a construction compound on an existing University Duryard Residences hardstanding car park; and

·         the applicant had confirmed that permission for the temporary construction access had been agreed with Avanti Hall School (Thomas Hall) which would involve a construction access route that was less harmful to the landscape and tree belt. Approval of details of the construction access would be secured by condition.

The Principal Project Manager (Development Management) (HS) drew Members attention to the update sheet and that the revised construction access would be included in the presentation slides. He also advised that a further objection had been received regarding urbanising impact, recovery time for temporary access, impact on County Wildlife Site, alternative sites, Policy EN6 and consultations.

In conclusion, the Principal Project Manager (Development Management) (HS) advised that the harms identified through landscape impact on the setting of the city and the rural character and appearance of the Duryard Valley Park meant that the scheme conflicted with Policies L1 and LS1 of the Exeter Local Plan First Review.However, substantial weight was given to the benefits of the scheme in terms of renewable energy generation, and it was therefore considered that it complied with Policy EN6. On balance, it was therefore concluded that the benefits of the scheme in terms of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

To consider the report of the Director City Development.

The report of the Director City Development was submitted.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To consider the report of the Director City Development.

The schedule of appeal decisions and appeals lodged was submitted.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.