The Portfolio Holder introduced the report which proposed a solar farm on land in Council ownership as the optimal use for a 50 acre site located in Shadoxhurst. He advised that the proposal would deliver a significant income generating project for the Council, would allow grazing and farming to continue on the land, had a low environmental impact and promoted sustainable production of sustainable green electricity. The proposal was clearly predicated on Local Planning Authority approval of a detailed planning application for this site, which would include the usual community consultation.
Members were heartened that the location and topography of this particular site meant that this proposal could be implemented with no visual impact on neighbouring properties, gardens and roads and would be well screened on all sides. It presented a good opportunity for the type of development proposed.
Recommended:
That (i) subject to planning approval and public consultation, it be agreed that a solar farm is the optimal use for the site, which would provide a significant income stream to the Council, and in doing so further diversify that Council’s Corporate Property Portfolio.
(ii) approval be given to spend £5.94m as outlined in the report and a delegation be given to the Director of Finance and Economy, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and IT, to agree the optimal funding solution.
(iii) authority be delegated to the Head of Legal and Democracy and the Head of Corporate Property and Projects to agree and enter in to all documentation required to give effect to the above recommendations.
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