Anson County schedules Nov. 6 hearing for Duke solar facility; board plans to recess to Nov. 13 if needed

Planning staff told the Anson County Planning Board on Oct. 9 that Duke Energy has submitted an application for a solar energy facility and is expected to appear at the board's Nov. 6 meeting at 6 p.m.

The planning staff warned the board the proposal could generate extensive public comment; staff estimated "approximately a 100 abutting landowners" who might have standing to speak. Because of that volume, staff recommended scheduling Duke's presentation first on Nov. 6 and recessing the meeting to Nov. 13 if the hearing runs late.

Staff also said the applicant is not the property owner and is seeking local approval before finalizing acquisition; the company will also need state Department of Transportation permits for related access work. "They would really like to so, the applicant... indicated, yes. The sooner they could have a decision, the better," the Planning Director said about the applicant's timeline.

Board members discussed conflicts with holidays and regular meetings and agreed to hold the longer hearing starting Nov. 6 and to recess to Nov. 13 to avoid a very late meeting. The board advised the public that quasi‑judicial standards will apply and that speakers claiming real‑estate impacts should bring a licensed realtor or appraiser as an expert witness or provide notarized testimony to establish standing.

The Nov. 6 hearing will be held at 6 p.m.; the board and staff advised residents who believe they have an economic or health impact to prepare evidence in advance to meet quasi‑judicial standing rules.