Agenda item

The Planning Officer presented the application to the Committee.

Public Speaker, Supporter – Spoke on:

·       Storage of essential energy for future use

·       Location is close to electrical substation

·       Limited visual impact including for cars driving past

Comments from Councillors during the debate included:

·       This is a good use of technology

·       The application falls outside the red line of the plan boundary

·       Applications falls within open countryside

·       Battery box is too large

·       Better locations are elsewhere

·       Application may affect proposed cycling infrastructure

·       Officers can be trusted to ensure application is safe for public

In response to these comments Officers clarified the following:

·       The location of the battery box

It was proposed by Councillor J Taylor and seconded by Councillor Bradford that decision be deferred to a members’ site inspection to determine whether the location was appropriate.

A vote was taken. The result was 3 for, 6 against, and 1 abstention and so the vote was lost.

It was proposed by Councillor J Taylor and seconded by Councillor Bradford that decision be deferred in order to ascertain whether the application would clash with Devon County Council’s proposed cycling route.

A vote was taken. The result was 3 for, 5 against, and 1 abstention and so the vote was lost.

It was proposed by Councillor Goodman-Bradbury and seconded by Councillor Hook that permission be granted as set out in the report.

A vote was taken. The result was 6 in favour, 2 against, and 2 absentions.

Resolved

Permission be granted subject to the following conditions

1.     The development hereby permitted shall begin before the expiry of three years from the date of this permission.

REASON: In accordance with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.     The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the application form and the following approved plans/documents:

REASON: In order to ensure compliance with the approved drawings

3.     Prior to the erection of any fencing or the installation of any equipment on the site, detailed finishes and colours of both shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Works shall accord with the agreed details and be retained as such thereafter.

REASON: In the interests of the visual amenity of the area

4.     Prior to the first use of the approved installation, a detailed Fire Safety Management Plan and Risk Reduction Strategy shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Once agreed, the plan shall remain in operation for the lifetime of the development, unless amendments are first agreed in writing.

REASON: To ensure fire and pollution risk is minimised and adequately planned for.

NOTE: The above shall be prepared in accordance with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service response dated 2nd August 2024.

5.     Prior to the completion of the concrete plinth, a detailed landscaping scheme shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. This shall include 108 species, planting sizes and spacing, timing of planting and maintenance arrangements. Once agreed, planting shall take place in the first planting season following commencement of works. Any plants that die or become diseased or damaged within 5 years, shall be replaced.

REASON: To limit the visual impact of the proposal