Strategic Planning Committee - 12 June 2025

The Strategic Planning Committee elected its new leadership at the start of the meeting. Councillor Batters was appointed Chairman after a motion moved by Councillor Ball and seconded by Councillor Martin was carried. Councillor Ball was appointed Vice‑Chairman following a motion moved by Councillor Parsons and seconded by Councillor Clemens. Both appointments were confirmed by vote, and no declarations of interest were recorded.

The Committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 April 2025. The motion, moved by Councillor Long and seconded by Councillor Channon, resolved that the minutes were correctly recorded and should be signed by the Chairman.

The Principal Development Officer (Acting Chair) briefed the Committee on Planning Application PA23/02727, presenting plans, photographs and a summary of key issues. The Officer confirmed a revised recommendation that authority to approve the application be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer, subject to the conditions set out in the report, any additional conditions deemed necessary by the Chief Planning Officer, and the resolution of outstanding issues concerning South West Water’s infrastructure.

Three stakeholders were invited to speak. Mr Ken Aylmer, an objector, presented arguments against the proposal, highlighting concerns about turbine size, landscape impact, heritage assets, wildlife, health and wellbeing, and dark‑sky preservation. Mr Mark Quinn, representing the applicant, and Mr Walter Wonnacott, the agent, both spoke in support of the application and answered Committee questions. Councillor Burnett was absent; a statement read on his behalf conveyed resident views, noting a majority opposition to the increased turbine height and its visual and environmental effects, while also acknowledging broader support for renewable energy and the 2019 consent for repowering the site.

The Committee recorded the discussion and, consistent with the Officer’s recommendation, resolved to forward the application for delegated approval, pending satisfaction of the identified conditions and the resolution of the South West Water infrastructure issue. The meeting concluded without further motions.