Issue - meetings

5 public speakers

            Councillor Colin Humphris – Climping Parish Council

            Jonathan Cooper- Applicant

            Samantha Hodson – Objector

            Councillor Worne - Ward Member

            Councillor Pendleton – Ward Member

Flexible Generator Plant and associated infrastructure. This application is in CIL Zone 3 (zero rated) as other development and is a Departure from the Development Plan

The Planning Team Leader presented the report with updates. This was followed by five public speakers.

            The Planning Team Leader was invited by the Chair to respond to any points raised by the public speakers. He advised members that the concerns raised regarding levels of methane from the generators had been addressed within the report update that had been issued to members and it had been confirmed that methene emissions would be sufficiently managed.

            Members then took part in a full debate on the application where a number of points were raised and responded to by Officers, including:

·         Endorsements for the points made by Parish Councillor, Ward Members and resident

·         It was felt that the application was somewhat incongruous given the Climate Emergency

·         Support for a site visit was discussed

·         Production of methene and hydrogen, concerns raised such as methane and hydrogen not being renewable energy and the management of the maintenance for the generators

·         Consideration of an independent of a similar site for reference 

The Chair referred members to the update report that had been circulated and quoted that it stated methane emissions “not significant” he advised members to keep this point in mind as that was the advice before the Committee today. The Chair referred to the point raised about maintenance of the generators and stated that of course this would be needed.

            One member stated that he believed that further government guidance was needed on this application, the council should be striving toward renewable energy sources and proposals such as this application did not form part of that plan. The Chair asked for clarity on what this would actually look like, the member stated he wanted to see guidance from the Department of Energy.

            It was then proposed by Councillor Bower and seconded by Councillor Blanchard-Cooper that the Committee should defer this application. The Committee then took a vote on the deferral of this application which was confirmed as CARRIED. The Chair then requested a 15-minute adjournment so the Committee could discuss with Officers the wording for the deferral.

            Returning from the adjournment Councillor Bower proposed that the deferral reason be so that a site visit could take place and for further technical information to be provided from the relevant government department. This was seconded by Councillor Lury.

            The Committee

                        RESOLVED

That the application be DEFERRED for a site inspection to be completed and for further technical information to be provided from the relevant government department.