Planning commission finds Wheelhouse Solar proposal in substantial accord with county plan
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Summary
The Lunenburg County Planning Commission unanimously found Wheelhouse Solar’s 60 MW proposal substantially in accord with the county comprehensive plan following a developer presentation and public comment; commissioners noted buffers, screening and permitting conditions would be required if the project proceeds to a formal CUP hearing.
The Lunenburg County Planning Commission on April 6 concluded that Wheelhouse Solar’s preliminary 15.2-2232 submission for a 60-megawatt photovoltaic facility is "substantially in accord" with the Lunenburg‑Kenbridge‑Victoria Comprehensive Plan.
Garrett Weeks of Palladium Energy presented the project, which would occupy nine parcels totaling about 676 acres west/northwest of the Town of Victoria. Weeks outlined how the applicant believes the proposal aligns with plan goals including economic development, job creation and utility access. Planner Lindsay Edwards told the commission that the in‑fence acreage was listed as 373 acres in staff materials, a figure that may exclude required setbacks and buffers.
Several residents and written commenters registered support for the project during the public comment period. Chairman James “Buck” Tharpe acknowledged benefits cited by the applicant but cautioned that tree removal and other site work mean the project is not automatically a "cleaner environment," and said the commission would require conditions and monitoring to protect adjacent property values and natural resources.
Commissioners reviewed how the proposal aligns with special policy areas in the comprehensive plan — including loss of agricultural land, protection of water sources, and siting near existing transmission lines — and discussed that state environmental permits (Virginia Department of Environmental Quality) would be required. Commissioner Trent praised the application’s organization and noted its alignment with the county’s solar ordinance; other commissioners stressed close monitoring of buffers and conditions.
After discussion, Commissioner Trent moved to deem CUP 8‑22 in "substantial accord." The motion passed unanimously on a roll‑call vote. The commission indicated the full conditional‑use permit public hearing would likely be scheduled for May 16, 2023, with staff and conditions to address screening, setbacks, and DEQ permitting requirements.
Next steps: staff and the applicant will prepare the formal CUP package, and the commission will consider the permit at the public hearing set for May 16, 2023.