An independent hearing committee has approved Helios's application for the construction of a large -scale solar -saving between Naseby and Ranfurly, although they are strong about the strong debate on the effects on the rural landscape.
The 300 megawatt development, which contains more than half a million solar collectors, will operate for 35 years, with the sheep continued to graze under his panels.
In his decision, the committee said that the services outweigh the concerns shown in more than 180 submissions.
“Possible adverse effects of the proposal are either no longer than low [or] Reduced by the imposition of reasonable consent, ”the decision says.
The role of the project in New Zealand's transition to clean energy was also highlighted.
“The provision of a great generation of renewable energies has a significant positive effects on regional and national level, which plays a role in supporting the New Zealand phase of the current production of fossil fuels and the provision of the necessary new generation of electricity.”
While the discomfort of the residents of the project was recognized, the panel said that evidence of experts was clear.
“While the lived experience of several submissions who have concerns about the effects of the solar parm on the premises and the Māniatoto level were taken into account more useful and careful, the expert evidence was consistent that the effects can be adequately reduced.”
Sixty -one conditions were imposed that cover the construction, operation, ecology and decommissioning. Are among the most remarkable:
- Neighbors commitment: Helios must appoint a contact person, notify neighbors in front of the pile and other loud work and register a public complaints.
- Fire protection: A fire management plan must be developed with fire and emergency -NZ, which means that the firebreaker, dedicated water storage and the grass height must be maintained by grazing and mowing.
- Visual reduction: With at least 80 percent survival rate, extensive animal brackets and local plants must be carried out. Temporary exotic species are used to carry out faster screening until the natives are set. Helios must also offer up to 50 sample trees that can be planted on a neighboring Ranfurly Back Road property.
- Wildlife protection: Nesting bird surveys will be required during the breeding season, whereby the exclusion zones may be enforced. A bird collision surveillance program must be carried out for at least three years. On -site wetlands must be improved and protected by replanting checking.
- Glint and glare controls: The panels must be kept at a maximum resting angle of 10 degrees until the vegetation screens reach a minimum height, and a shine and glare management plan must describe how complaints are examined.
- Community Fund: Within 40 working days in which it was put into operation, Helios has to set up a community fund to support the initiatives for sustainability, education and energy in energy supply.
- Standing: Before the approval expires, the plan for removing devices, the recycling of panels and the restoration of the country must be prepared.
- Ongoing evaluation: The Central Otago district council has the right to check the conditions in the first years of the project and then every five years.
While some submersions, together with the council planner Adam Vincent, urged Helios to pay the council a bond and to protect them if the location were abandoned, such a bond is required for the energy company.
During the hearing, Helios argued that a bond was unnecessary due to leasing agreements with land owners who already needed a bond between the parties.
The committee decided not to request a separate bond with the Council. Instead, it imposed a condition that Helios has to provide evidence to the Council that leasing agreements with land owners include the decommissioning of security obligations.
In the Council's decision letter, the submitted circumstances have 15 days under certain circumstances in order to make an appointment against the decision or part of it.
The public hearing took place over three days in August in the Ranfurly Rugby Clubroms.
The committee consisted of Louise Taylor (chair), Ros-Day-Cleavin and Gary Rae.
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