Purpose

This report seeks approval to obtain delegated powers for the Service Director of Planning & Environment to engage in the Development Consent Order process for the Rosefield Solar Farm. The delegation will also include consultation with relevant Cabinet Member(s) on certain key documents submitted to the Council for a formal response.

Decision

Recommendations:

To agree that the Council will participate in the Development Consent Order (DCO) process and authorise the Service Director for Planning and Environment to enter into any Planning Performance Agreement with the Applicants.

To delegate authority to the Service Director of Planning & Environment, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transportation, to respond to consultations/engagement from the Applicants and The Planning Inspectorate (including the Examining Authority) during the following DCO stages: Pre-application; Acceptance; Pre-Examination; Examination; and Post-Examination.

To delegate to the Service Director for Planning & Environment the powers to deal with post-decision matters (if development consent is granted) including determination of applications under the DCO consenting regime and enforcement in respect of any DCO granted by the Secretary of State.