A planning application has been submitted for the Whistlemead site, reference number PL/2023/01914. 

Promoters ABEI energy held exhibitions at South Wraxall on December 13th 2022 and in Atworth Village Hall on February 1st 2023.

Their website is https://www.whistlemeadsolar.com

A screening option, ref PL/2022/00726, was to determine whether or not an Environmental Impact Assessment needed to be submitted and the decision of WC planning officers was that an EIA was required.  However in their consideration officers also addressed the likely impact of the development on the landscape and historic buildings and indicated that these could be addressed by conditions.

A similar application went to planning committee in September 2014 with an officer recommendation for permission.  It was refused on the chairman’s casting vote.  The reason given was the impact on the landscape.  The applicants then submitted an appeal to the planning inspectorate.  The decision of the inspector was to dismiss the appeal.  He gave as his reasons the effect on listed buildings, saying that the benefits of renewable energy generation would not outweigh the harm done. 

This application has been ‘called in’ so will also have to go to planning committee if officers want to approve it. The planning officer has confirmed that the applicants are aiming to submit further information on ecology, landscape and highways matters prior to determination.  The application will only be presented at committee if officers are minded to recommend the application for approval, but in any case a decision or committee date is unlikely until the New Year – probably February/March at the earliest.

Update – The developers are looking to submit revised plans in March 2024 following officers’ comments and the representations received on the original scheme.  These plans will be subject to a fresh consultation exercise with all consultees, parish councils and neighbours.

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