Issue - meetings

1.    The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 24/02810/FULMAJ in respect of the installation of 4860 ground mounted photovoltaic panels, in an equine field, to provide power to the commercial buildings within the grounds and to export to the Local Grid at Hungerford Park.

2.    Ms Cheyanne Kirby introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material planning considerations. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable in planning terms and officers recommended that the Development Manager be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions outlined in the main report.

3.    The Chairman asked Mr Paul Goddard if he had any observations relating to the application. He noted the following:

·       It was projected there were going be 20 large vehicles travelling in and out on a daily basis during the course of construction.

·       He noted that there were two haul routes considered. The primary route was via Priory Road to the south with an alternative route via Park Street to the north. These haul routes had been secured by condition and a swept path analysis had been secured by condition for large vehicles using the site.

·       The traffic usage for the site after the construction phase was very low and was not going to cause traffic concerns.

4.    In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Ms Helen Simpson, Town Council representative, and Mr Graham Welchman-Taylor, agent, addressed the Committee on this application.

Parish/Town Council Representation

5.    Ms Helen Simpson addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 23 July 2025 (21:34)  

Member Questions to the Parish/Town Council

6.    Members asked questions of clarification and were given the following responses:

·       Her understanding was that the North Wessex Downs team had not been asked to comment on this application.

·       A caravan at Hungerford Park had been refused planning permission in 2013.

Agent Representation

7.    Mr Graham Welchman-Taylor addressed the Committee. The full representation can be viewed here:

Western Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 23 July 2025(27:02)

Member Questions to the Agent

8.    Members asked questions of clarification and were given the following responses:

·       The system had been designed with the primary focus of providing energy to the estate during the darker months and as a result there was a significant excess during the summer months that could be sold back to the grid.

·       As part of the Construction Management Plan, reasonable delivery times were to be outlined. Discussions had been held with the applicant and the contractors with regard to this.

·       A third of the energy produced on the site was to be used by the site and two thirds were to be exported back to the grid.

·       Decommissioning of a solar panel site was relatively quick and the site could be returned to its natural state within 3-4 months.

·       An assessment had been carried out to determine whether roof mounted installation was viable however this was only  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3