Agenda item

Members gave consideration to a report presented by the Development Management Team Manager regarding the West Burton Solar Project Local Impact Report. It was explained that the 480MW West Burton Solar Project, proposed by Island Green Power, qualified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). It therefore would be determined by the Government under the provisions of the Planning Act 2008 (PA2008). Members were reminded that Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects were examined by the Planning Inspectorate, a Government Agency. The Examining Authority would make recommendations to the Secretary of State who would then determine the application, however, host authorities were expected to have an important role to play in the PA2008 process.

It was noted that on 8 November 2023, the Examining Authority (ExA) recommenced the Preliminary Meeting and formally commenced the Examination. The ExA was under a duty to complete the examination within six months, giving a deadline of 8 May 2024. As part of the examination process, West Lindsey District Council had been invited to submit a Local Impact Report (LIR), which was defined in legislation as ‘a report in writing giving details of the likely impact of the proposed development on the authority’s area (or any part of that area).’ (Planning Act 2008 Section 60(3)).

Members were reminded that it was not a requirement for the council to submit an LIR, however, where one was submitted, the Secretary of State was placed under a statutory duty to have regard to any Local Impact Report when making his decision. The National Infrastructure Planning advice note stated that “as such local authorities should not underestimate the potential importance of this document in the context of the wider examination.”. The Committee was requested to review the draft LIR and to delegate responsibility to the Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities in consultation with the Chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee, to complete and submit the final Local Impact Report to the examination, having incorporated the feedback of the Committee.

The Chairman thanked Officers and welcomed Alex Blake to the Committee, who was working with the council to review and respond to each of the NSIPs under consideration in the district. She expressed thanks for the detailed work of Officers and Mr Blake, recognising that each case was different and required significant attention.

Members were supportive of the draft LIR and expressed their thanks alongside those of the Chairman. There was discussion regarding the nature of NSIPs, and the extent of the proposals across West Lindsey, with Members acknowledging the strength of opposition within the district. Thanks to all involved in the preparation of the LIR was reiterated and, having been moved, seconded and voted upon, it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that

a)    the invitation to submit a Local Impact report (LIR) to be made on the West Burton Solar Project DCO examination be accepted and approved; and

b)    the draft Local Impact report (LIR) prepared for the West Burton Solar Project examination had been reviewed, and authority be delegated to the Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities following consultation with the Chairman of Prosperous Communities Committee, to complete, finalise and submit the LIR to the Examination, having taken into consideration the Committee’s comments.