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Commission endorses preliminary switchyard plan tied to Laurel Branch Solar
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously found the proposed Laurel Branch switchyard/substation to be in substantial accord with the comprehensive plan; commissioners said the switchyard is integral to the solar project and must meet conditions for water protection and monitoring.
The Lunenburg County Planning Commission on April 6 determined that the preliminary plan for an associated public utility switchyard and substation (CUP 6‑22) connected to the Laurel Branch Solar project is substantially in accord with the county comprehensive plan.
Robin Lucey of Dominion Energy explained the switchyard is a separate application because the substation infrastructure would remain after eventual decommissioning of the solar array. Commissioners asked procedural questions about landowner notification and were told the clerk mails notices to affected owners. One resident spoke in support during the single‑speaker public comment segment.
Planner Lindsay Edwards presented the staff recommendation options. Commissioners voiced concerns about wells and potential water impacts and reiterated that such issues would be handled through conditions and monitoring attached to any formal CUP. Commissioner Thompson moved to find CUP 6‑22 in "substantial accord;" the motion passed unanimously on roll call.
The commission scheduled the formal CUP consideration for the Laurel Branch project at the May 4 meeting; the switchyard will follow the same public process with conditions identified by staff and the commission.
