Changes to a proposed solar farm on land near Lancaster University have been approved by councillors.
The revised scheme sees an alteration to the layout of the site, on land east of Hazelrigg Lane, with slightly fewer solar panels and roads than previously applied for, and additional landscaping, as well as an existing pond being retained.
Planning permission was given by councillors last year for a solar farm to be developed by Lancaster City Council.
A report discussed at a planning regulatory committee meeting this week stated that changes are needed following a more detailed study of the site.
The report for the planning committee also states the principal of developing a solar farm there has already been deemed as acceptable, and concerns about sunlight glare from panels to students flats or other homes in the area had been addressed.
The report said: “Whilst the broad arrangement and orientation of the solar panels remains largely the same, the key area of change is the omission of panels in the north eastern corner, as well as the retention of the pond which was to be removed as part of the previous scheme.
‘’The access road has been adjusted to suit the layout alterations to the solar panel arrays as well as responding to rising and falling slopes.
‘’When compared to the previously consented scheme, the proposal is more efficient, only extending the road to elements requiring the more regular maintenance. The proliferation of access roads is reduced.”
There was one objection from a local resident, while Scotforth Parish Council expressed their support.
In recommending the proposals, Lancaster City Council planning officers said: “Overall, the negative effects would be ameliorated through mitigation including retention of existing vegetation, and an extensive and robust landscaping scheme.
‘’The adverse effects are more than sufficiently offset by the significant contribution the development will make towards the council’s initiative to tackle climate change and to the biodiversity value of the site through enhancements. On balance, the considerable environmental and public benefits far outweigh the adverse impacts.”
Upon being put to the vote, 15 Councillors voted in favour of the proposal with none against and no abstentions.
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare
