Charlotte County planning commission recommends approval of 125‑MW Quarter Horse Solar with battery‑permit condition

The Charlotte County Planning Commission voted 6‑1 on July 18 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit amendment for the proposed 125‑megawatt Quarter Horse Solar facility adjacent to the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg line.

Vice‑Chairman James Benn recessed the Commission and, in a joint public hearing with the Board of Supervisors, heard a staff presentation and a project overview from Meaghan O’Brien, the applicant’s representative for Dominion. O’Brien addressed the permit expiration date, wildlife corridors, setbacks, stream crossings, cemetery setbacks and stormwater management.

The Commission’s formal 2232 consistency finding was adopted under a motion by Patrick Andrews, which states in part: “I move that the proposed Quarter Horse Solar 125‑megawatt solar energy generation facility as described in the conditional use permit amendment application, is substantially in accord with the Charlotte County Comprehensive Plan,” citing zoning, distance from town boundaries and minimal expected county service needs. The 2232 motion passed 6‑1 in a roll call vote, with Miller Adams the lone dissent.

After public comment — where several residents expressed support for local jobs and tax revenue while others raised concerns about long‑term panel disposal and resident protections — the Commission adopted the conditional use permit recommendation (Option 1) as amended by staff. The motion incorporated staff’s revised Condition #5, which states: “The project, as presented does not include battery energy storage systems; if such systems are allowed in the county, any future proposed inclusion of such system as part of this project shall require the Applicant to adhere to all permitting requirements for battery energy storage systems as provided in the Zoning Ordinance.”

Commissioner Belinda Strom also successfully moved an amendment to Condition #7 to require that project fencing “shall meet Department of Wildlife Resources guidance for fencing height at the time of construction.” The main motion as amended passed 6‑1 on a roll call vote (Patrick Andrews‑Yes; Mike Price‑Yes; Miller Adams‑No; Belinda Strom‑Yes; Richard Vaughan‑Yes; W.V. Nichols‑Yes; James Benn‑Yes). The Commission directed its secretary to forward the findings and recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for final action.

Why it matters: The Commission’s recommendation advances a large utility‑scale project that proponents say will provide local economic benefits and jobs; the adopted conditions make clear that battery energy storage is not included now and would require separate county permitting if proposed later. The Board of Supervisors is next to receive the Planning Commission’s recommendation.