Issue - meetings

The report of the Director of Planning, Regeneration & Communities seeking consideration of the Local Impact Report (LIR) prepared for the Cottam Solar Project DCO examination was received.

The Development Management Team Manager introduced the report and explained this was second solar project in the district to be considered by the government under the Planning Act 2008.

The location and size of the proposed site were outlined. It was noted that the site was divided across a number of areas. The committee was advised of the timescales for submitting information and the requirements for the Local Impact Report (LIR) were explained.

The committee was informed that the recommendation was to submit a LIR and a draft response was included in the agenda for consideration. Members noted that the submission was broadly in line with the application with each section setting out the positive, the neutral and the negative impacts.

The comments of members were requested and the response would be amended as necessary taking in to account those views. Delegation to finalise the response in consultation with the Chairman of the committee was being sought.

A member expressed disappointment that the decision was not within the remit of the council and took away local accountability in the process. It was suggested that a response needed to be submitted and the recommended response should be supported. A councillor concurred and thanked officers for providing such a comprehensive report.

A councillor raised concern regarding the potential fire risk of such developments and requested that reference be made in the submission. In response it was confirmed that the developer had a fire risk management strategy and Lincolnshire Fire and

Rescue were a consultee.

The potential economic and employment opportunities were highlighted by a councillor and it was suggested this needed to be balanced against the loss of jobs in the agricultural and tourism sectors. The concern was acknowledged and it was agreed that the immediate direct job losses could be highlighted together with losing significant hectares of agricultural land.

A member raised the issue of disruption to local communities during construction. It was noted that there would need to be identified construction routes for the development which was complicated by the layout of the site. A councillor agreed with previous speakers and emphasised the need to make residents aware of the process and the councils role.

Having been proposed and seconded the recommendations were put to the vote and were carried.

            RESOLVED:

1)    To accept the invitation and approve the submission of a Local Impact report (LIR) to be made on the Cottam Solar Project DCO examination; and

2)    To review the draft Local Impact report (LIR) prepared for the Cottam Solar Project examination, and to delegate authority to the Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities following consultation with the Chair of this committee, to complete, finalise and submit the LIR by Deadline 1 (17th October) as set by the Examining Authority, taking into consideration the committee’s comments.