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Planning commission finds proposed 12 MW Oral Oaks Road solar project in substantial accord with comprehensive plan
Summary
The Lunenburg County Planning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 7, 2023 that the Oral Oaks Road Solar conditional use permit application (CUP 1-23) is in substantial accord with the Lunenburg-Kenbridge-Victoria Comprehensive Plan after presentations from the applicant and staff and one public comment raising groundwater and property-value concerns.
The Lunenburg County Planning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 7, 2023 that a proposed 12-megawatt utility-scale solar array on Oral Oaks Road is in “substantial accord” with the county’s comprehensive plan.
Chairman James Tharpe called the 15.2-2232 hearing for CUP 1-23, noting the project by Oral Oaks Road Solar, LLC would sit on tax parcel 058-0A-0-29, a 128.239-acre parcel zoned A‑1 that surrounds 5844 Oral Oaks Road. The applicant described the proposal as a 12 MW, utility-scale array sited on a compact portion of the parcel, occupying about 40% of the total acreage.
Tom Holt of Ameresco presented aerials and a project summary, saying the proposal is intended to meet comprehensive‑plan goals for safe development, limiting impacts to land uses and natural resources, and protecting community character. Holt said site grading and erosion measures would keep slopes at about 15 percent in areas planned for development, that erosion‑management measures would be on site, and that the project would avoid wetlands and prevent runoff toward sensitive areas in keeping with Clean Water Act obligations. He also stated the panels contain no hazardous materials and cited supporting literature, responding to resident concerns about groundwater and panel safety.
Resident Jow Gustaf spoke during Citizen Time expressing concerns that solar development near his property could affect groundwater and reduce property values; he asked for pre‑construction appraisals of adjacent properties, groundwater testing, and that developers be required to offer adjacent owners a right of first refusal if the landowner later sells.
Luke Peters of the Berkley Group presented the staff 2232 report, outlining existing topography, soils, staff analysis and conclusions, and options for the commission.
After discussion, Commissioner Walter Thompson moved — with Commissioner Tony Trent seconding — that the project is in substantial accord with the Lunenburg‑Kenbridge‑Victoria Comprehensive Plan. Commissioners James Tharpe, Edward Pennington, Brenda Jennings, Harry C. Garrett, Tony Trent and Walter Thompson all voted yes on the roll call.
The Planning Commission did not take a zoning amendment decision at the meeting; the 15.2‑2232 finding determines substantial accord for the record as required by Code of Virginia § 15.2‑2232. The commission also discussed mitigation measures the applicant proposed for erosion control and wetlands avoidance. No members of the public spoke during the hearing after the staff presentation.
The commission announced its next meeting for Oct. 5, 2023.
