Strategic Planning Committee - 19 February 2026

The Strategic Planning Committee confirmed that the minutes of its 18 December 2025 meeting were accurately recorded and authorised the Chair to sign them, with no declarations of interest noted. The Principal Development Officer (AC) presented Application PA25/04503, providing plans, photographs and a summary of the key issues, and referred to the previously circulated committee update. The officer recommended that the Chief Planning Officer be given delegated authority to grant planning permission for the application, provided that the Environment Agency’s concerns are resolved and the updated conditions on the addendum sheet are applied.

Four individuals registered as objectors – Ms Jane Howells, Mrs Kathryn Finch, and Councillor George Ford of St Hilary Parish Council – each spoke against the proposal and answered questions from the Committee. Representing the applicant, Mr Zac Hemborough and Mr Henry Mathews presented supporting arguments and also responded to Committee queries.

Councillor J Martin, an electoral division member, raised several points of opposition. He noted that the scheme had been repeatedly scaled down in response to local feedback but still posed significant concerns, including loss of agricultural land, potential damage to a unique environment, the need for an archaeological management plan, proximity to a Grade 2 listed farmhouse and a World Heritage Site, and the location’s unsuitability for renewable‑energy development. He also highlighted the Environment Agency’s objections.

During the question‑and‑answer session, officers clarified that the Environment Agency’s response had been received later than expected but that its concerns could be addressed, and that the Lead Flood Authority had been extensively involved throughout the process. They also explained how the proposal’s impact on the World Heritage Site and the land‑assessment methodology were documented in the report. The Committee noted the list of planning appeal decisions, appeals lodged and public‑inquiry dates, and the meeting concluded with the recommendation to proceed with delegated authority subject to the stipulated conditions.