Object

Representation ID: 7114

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Tim Maskell

Undeveloped agricultural land outside of planned limits of development must be protected and only developed ‘in extremis’ for non-agricultural purposes,.

Comments noted. The Local Plan must make provision to meet the county’s housing needs and all allocated housing sites in Policy H1 have been through a rigorous site appraisal process that cover environmental, social and economic factors, and the availability and deliverability of development sites is a key part of ensuring that the local plan is deliverable. The approach taken in the Local Plan for the location of new housing is for a wide spread of development across the communities rather than through several large scale developments. Whilst the plan seeks to make the best use of brownfield sites, in order to meet housing needs, particularly in sustainable locations on the edge of settlements, some allocated sites are on greenfield, agricultural land. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 7132

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Mr Douglas Reid

Large scale solar farms should not be allowed on farmland.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 7187

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Persimmon Homes East Midlands

Persimmon Homes do however consider there should be some flexibility in the wording of this policy for example, there are times that the size of a parcel of agricultural land is too small to accommodate the increased size of agricultural vehicles and as such function well as agricultural land.

Comments noted. The functionability of land for remaining in agricultural use if restricted by its size would be taken into account during the site allocation process.

Object

Representation ID: 7209

Received: 07/01/2024

Respondent: Peter Shaw

Large scale farms of this type should not be allowed on farmland of any description. Instead solar panels should be a mandatory requirement for all new dwellings and industrial buildings and encouraged on existing domestic and commercial buildings.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 7219

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Mr Graham Baker

The use of agricultural land for large scale solar farms seems counter-intuitive while alternative opportunities exist. Given that installed and proposed solar farms currently cover 3% of Rutland (ten times the national guidelines) there is a danger that Rutland’s much valued and distinctive character will be damaged with little benefit accruing to the County.

Comments noted. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. As national policy is to maximise renewable generation then it would not be appropriate to set a limit on area for ground mounted solar. In terms of targets, para 003 of the PPG states that ‘The National Planning Policy Framework explains that all communities have a responsibility to help increase the use and supply of green energy, but this does not mean that the need for renewable energy automatically overrides environmental protections and the planning concerns of local communities.’ It also states that: ‘The UK has legal commitments to cut greenhouse gases and meet increased energy demand from renewable sources. Whilst local authorities should design their policies to maximise renewable and low carbon energy development, there is no quota which the Local Plan has to deliver.’ A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 7374

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: The Society of Merchant Venturers

Agent: Savills

The aim to protect the best and most versatile agricultural land broadly reflects the provisions of the NPPF
(2023) (paragraph 180), however there is no reference to not granting development on specific grades, only directing towards areas of a poorer quality (as evidenced by footnote 62 of the NPPF. Given that some of the best and most versatile agricultural land in the county is located around
Oakham, which is identified as the focus for new development in the County, it is important to ensure that
Policy EN6 does not unnecessarily prohibit appropriate development in this area and therefore the policy
text should be updated to reflect footnote 62 of the NPPF. The supporting text to Policy EN6 acknowledges ‘it may be that some BMV land is necessary to ensure that the need for homes and jobs can be met in a sustainable manner.’ Accordingly, it is recommended that a flexible approach is taken to Policy EN6 in order to ensure that future growth needs can be met.

Comments noted. Agree to align with footnote 62 in the NPPF.

Object

Representation ID: 7534

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: John Williams

No solar farms to be located on ALC farmland grades 1-3b

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 7609

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Natasha Buswell

Large scale solar farms should not be allowed on farmland. Alternative sites to place solar panels such as roofs ( both commercial and private homes), brownfield sites and car parks should be explored.

Comments noted. There is a presumption in favour of granting permission for solar panels on existing buildings set out in Policy CC8 and this is also supported and encouraged in policy documents such as the NPPF and PPG, the National Design Guide (2021), Design Guidelines for Rutland (2021) and also in Local Plan Policy CC7. Policy CC2 seeks to maximise renewable energy generation on new build. If solar pv developments were restricted only to non-agricultural land this would limit such development (after taking into account all of the other constraints that may apply to such land) and would be a barrier to the Local Plan making a legally required meaningful contribution towards addressing the climate change crisis. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study that identifies areas of opportunity for potential solar pv developments excluded Grades 1 and 2 in the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC). For solar pv developments Policy CC8 includes a criterion that sets a number of additional tests where the proposal is on Best and Most Versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a in the ALC.). This is in line with para 180 of the NPPF that recognises the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land. The Rutland Renewable Energy Study has calculated the amount of potential energy that could be generated by solar pv on carports to be 2.1 MWp (Megawatt peak). This is a fraction compared to the potential from ground-mounted solar panels of 649 MWp. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.

Object

Representation ID: 7646

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Mr Robert Bolton

I object to Regulation 18 and the draft local plan, namely policy CC8 – Renewable Energy – as large scale solar farms should not be allowed on any productive farmland.

Solar should be a mandatory requirement for all new dwellings and industrial buildings, and further encouraged on domestic, industrial and commercial buildings to facilitate green energy and protect our food security and maintain the Rutland countryside for future generations.

This would encourage a huge uptake and rollout of solar, benefitting local businesses with no detrimental implications or negative impacts.

Comments noted. This is a repeat of representation 7642 on Policy CC8.

Object

Representation ID: 7708

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Vistry Group c/o Pegasus Group

Agent: Pegasus group

Policy EN6 is not necessary, it repeats national policy set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.
The second bullet point includes the requirement to clearly demonstrated that there are no other more suitable and sustainably located sites available, this is impractical to address on an individual site application in a scenario where, for example, additional housing land is needed to meet the five year supply requirements.
This policy should be deleted.

Comments noted. Disagree. Policy EN6 aligns with government guidance set out in para 180 of the NPPF and also refers back to Policy CC8. It is similarly worded to a number of recently adopted Local Plan policies on protecting agricultural land, such as in the Central Lincs Local Plan. In assessing housing applications outside of allocated sites, weight would be given to housing supply requirements in addition to the policy.

Object

Representation ID: 7750

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Anglian Water

On Policy EN6 – protecting agricultural land and where impact is unavoidable, we would observe that the operational necessity and existing locations of assets means that impacts on farmland are unavoidable. For example, relocating works to less valued land may entail significant carbon costs in extending networks from existing assets. It would not represent sustainable development not to mention to the costs to our customers of increased project requirements in the cost-of-living crisis. Anglian Water is not allowed by Ofwat to build things we do not have to support growth or to improve environmental performance. We purchase land by negotiation and have to work with the landowners in terms of locations within existing fields to minimise our impacts. We recognise a balance needs to be struck between water, food, and wastewater pressures all of which are vital to basic human health needs.

Comments noted. Operational and locational necessity would be taken into account in determining applications by Water Companies which affect BMV agricultural land.

Support

Representation ID: 7946

Received: 08/01/2024

Respondent: Ryhall Parish Council

EN6 Protecting Agricultural Land - Support

Support noted.

Support

Representation ID: 7989

Received: 03/01/2024

Respondent: R S Hurwood

Protection of agricultural land - in the short term our increasing population needs more food; we are importing ever increasing food materials, much of which (I understand) has been grown under less stringent conditions than the UK’s regulations.

Support noted. A recent Written Ministerial Statement (published on 15th May 2024) provides the government’s up to date policy on balancing the need for renewable energy production and the importance of BMV land for food security. This will be referenced in the text supporting Policy EN6.