Planning the Meadow Creek Solar Farm
Meadow Creek Solar Farm has engaged specialist consultants to prepare detailed environmental assessments and develop concept plans for the proposed project.
Before a solar energy facility can be built, the proponent (Meadow Creek Solar Farm Pty Ltd) must obtain all relevant planning approvals including a planning permit to build and operate a solar energy facility from the Victorian Government.
To obtain a planning permit, Meadow Creek Solar Farm Pty Ltd must prepare a Planning Application that responds to the relevant requirements of the Wangaratta Planning Scheme (Planning Scheme) including the relevant planning controls (zones and overlays).
The Planning Application must address the application requirements under Clause 53.13 Renewable Energy Facility of the Planning Scheme.
The Planning Application will include an assessment of the project covering a range of topics, including:
Site and context analysis
Visual amenity
Agriculture and land use
Traffic and transport
Hydrology
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Ecology and native vegetation impacts
Noise and vibration
Environmental Management Plan
Technical assessments will form part of the proposal’s Planning Application that would be independently assessed by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) on behalf of the Minister for Planning.
Stages of proposal development
Before a Planning Application is submitted the project proponent also needs to:
Determine if there is available capacity in the nearby transmission network
Consult with the local community and seek feedback on the proposal
Undertake extensive technical environmental assessments
Public notice
Once the project has completed detailed environmental assessments, a Planning Application would be prepared and submitted to the Minister for Planning for assessment via the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
The Planning Application is then put-on public exhibition (notice) for community and stakeholders to have their say on the proposal.
Community and stakeholders can make a submission, including an objection to the proposal during this time. This process is directed by the Department of Transport and Planning on behalf of the Minister for Planning.
We expect to submit the Planning Application to the Department later this year.