Stephenson Halliday successfully supported James Cropper in obtaining planning approval for their 3MW (Megawatt) solar PV array.
James Cropper PLC wanted to address its energy cost concerns related to its long-standing business operations with the introduction of its solar PV array. The project, which will offset 670 tonnes of CO2 each year, would support James Cropper PLC in producing electricity for their paper mill and support local businesses with the provision of renewable energy.
The site covers an area of approximately 7.56 hectares and is made up of agricultural land associated with Burneside Hall with the nearest residential properties to the development being Barnsdale. As the site exceeds an area of 5 hectares, the application had to be presented to the Strategic Planning Committee.
Stephenson Halliday supported the James Cropper PLC project with planning and landscape services, including a Landscape and Visual Appraisal. The project also required an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening. The plans received 16 representations, which raised concerns over the loss of farmland, the visual impact of the proposals and the detriment to the area’s natural beauty, however, the team’s efforts ultimately resulted in the successful attainment of planning consent unanimously approved by the Westmorland and Furness Council Planning Committee. Though the Committee had concerns about the size of the development, having considered the current climate crisis, planning permission was granted subject to a set of conditions. The conditions included a time limit for commencement, the approved plans, landscaping, contamination, ground investigation, and renewable energy.
The solar array being positioned close to the boundary of the Lake District National Park, a site of particularly sensitive nature, makes the unanimous approval even more significant, marking a further step in James Cropper PLC’s transition to sustainable energy use.