Positive recommendation for renewable energy station

Proposals for the creation of a renewable energy generating station on agricultural land in Northamptonshire have been recommended for approval ahead of a planning committee meeting next week.Voltalia UK Ltd is seeking permission for a development on land to the north of Field View Cottage on Watling Street in Kilsby.The site extends to approximately 135.6 acres and consists of a number of primarily pastoral fields.Lined up is the installation of ground mounted photo-voltaic (solar panels) with inverter/transformer units, control house, substations, onsite grid connection equipment, storage containers, site access, access gates, internal access tracks, security measures, other ancillary infrastructure, and landscaping and biodiversity enhancements.The solar park would generate at its peak 49.9 MW.West Northamptonshire Council’s strategic planning committee will consider the application on 18 June.A report for the committee said: “It is considered that the proposal accords with and would not be in conflict with the relevant development plan and national policies.”Furthermore, as there are no adverse impacts which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the environmental benefits arising the from the proposals (when assessed against national and local planning policies as a whole) or that there are specific policies which indicate that the development should be restricted/not be granted, officers are of the opinion that the application should be approved in-line with national and local planning policies.”