Agenda item

To consider an application for erection of a 132kV electrical substation and associated works at Clocaenog Forest, Saron, Denbigh (copy attached).

[Councillor Meirick Davies declared a personal interest in this item as he was a member of ‘Pylon the Pressure Group’]

 

An application was submitted for erection of a 132kV electrical substation and association works at Clocaenog Forest, Saron, Denbigh.

 

Public Speakers –

 

Mr. M. Barlow (Against) – disputed the need for a substation at this time and highlighted concerns over the landscape and visual impact.

 

Ms. C. Duffy, SP Manweb (For) – explained the extent of consultation undertaken together with mitigation measures to address issues raised.  She concurred with the conclusions of the planning report and accepted the proposed conditions.

 

General Debate – Councillor Joe Welch (Local Member) opposed the application and raised concerns regarding –

 

·         the piece meal approach taken to the North Wales Windfarms Project and the cumulative effects of the substation combined with other elements of the project

·         argued against the need for a substation at this stage given that the application for the overhead lines project had yet to be approved; the Clocaenog Windfarm being subject to judicial review; and other consented windfarms having yet to be built – consequently the application was considered premature

·         lack of public consultation and documents provided in the Welsh Language and  misleading information which detracted from the true impact of the substation

·         adequacy of the Environmental Report and cumulative noise assessment

·         the impact and effects on visual amenity, tourism, residents’ health and noise.

 

The Planning Officer (DS) responded to the issues raised as follows –

 

·         the nature of the planning application process in Wales did not allow for all elements of the windfarm project to be dealt with under one application

·         the applicant had advised that the substation was not dependent on the outcome of either the Clocaenog Windfarm legal challenge or the proposed overhead lines project and the substation would still be required should the grid connection be via an underground cable

·         the use of Welsh in consultations was encouraged but it was not a legal requirement

·         officers considered the application acceptable in principle having assessed the impact of the substation on the local area and taking into account the site was within the Clocaenog Forest Strategic Search Area (SSA) [planning policy stated landscape change from windfarm development was acceptable within SSAs]

·         officers largely agreed with the findings of the environmental report believing issues could be mitigated

·         whilst the Public Protection Officer had not agreed with all the calculations applied in the cumulative noise assessment he had not challenged its robustness and had accepted its conclusions; noise levels could be controlled via conditions in order to safeguard local residents’ amenity.

 

During a detailed debate members considered the merits of the application and expressed reservations regarding the validity of the cumulative noise assessment’s conclusions given that questions had been raised over the methodology used in calculating noise levels.  Concerns were also raised over visual amenity and impact on the landscape, particularly the proposed 9 metre high gantry which would likely be highly visible, and the subsequent effects on both the community and tourism.

 

Proposal – Councillor Joe Welch proposed, seconded by Councillor Huw Williams, that the application be refused, contrary to officer recommendation, on the grounds of the potential cumulative noise impact and potential visual impact on the landscape from the substation.

 

VOTE:

GRANT – 3

REFUSE – 20

ABSTAIN – 0

 

RESOLVED that permission be REFUSED, contrary to officer recommendation on the grounds of the potential cumulative noise impact and potential visual impact on the landscape from the substation.

 

At this juncture (11.15 a.m.) the meeting adjourned for a refreshment break.