Lunenburg County planning commission finds Oral Oaks Road solar project in substantial accord with comprehensive plan

The Lunenburg County Planning Commission unanimously determined on Sept. 7, 2023, that Oral Oaks Road Solar, LLC's proposed 12‑megawatt utility‑scale solar array is in "substantial accord" with the Lunenburg‑Kenbridge‑Victoria Comprehensive Plan.

The finding came after a presentation by Tom Holt of Ameresco, a Berkley Group staff 2232 report and a question‑and‑answer period during which commissioners asked about groundwater protections, erosion control and site grading. The project is proposed for tax parcel 058‑0A‑0‑29, a 128.239‑acre parcel in an A‑1 (Agricultural) zone with road frontage on Oral Oaks Road; the application describes the array as surrounding 5844 Oral Oaks Road on three sides.

Why it matters: under Code of Virginia §15.2‑2232, the 15.2‑2232 hearing determines whether a proposed project is consistent with the county comprehensive plan before the applicant may seek a zoning amendment. A finding of substantial accord does not itself grant permits but is a required procedural step in the local review process.

During public comment, resident Jow Gustaf of 5642 Oral Oaks Road asked for groundwater testing, raised concerns that panels could be hazardous, requested that the developer be required to offer a right of first refusal if he chose to sell his property, and asked that adjacent owners be offered appraisals before any groundbreaking to assess potential changes to property values. No other members of the public addressed the commission on the case.

Tom Holt said the solar panels contain no hazardous materials and pointed commissioners to literature supporting that position. Holt also said erosion‑control measures would be in place and that the design would avoid wetlands to prevent runoff toward sensitive areas. Commissioner Harry C. Garrett questioned a discrepancy between a previously reported slope greater than 20 percent and the presentation's references to grading to 15 percent; Holt explained that contours and grading plans would reduce slopes to about 15 percent.

After the staff report from Luke Peters of the Berkley Group and a call for final discussion, Commissioner Walter Thompson moved — and Commissioner Tony Trent seconded — that the project is in substantial accord with the comprehensive plan. The roll call vote was unanimous among the six commissioners present. Chairman James Tharpe said the project was in "substantial accord" but noted "other issues" that would be addressed later.

What happens next: the 15.2‑2232 finding clears a procedural hurdle toward any future zoning amendment or permitting steps the applicant may pursue; the transcript does not record any final permits, conditions or de facto approvals beyond the substantial‑accord finding.

Reported actions and evidence: the commission opened and closed the 15.2‑2232 public hearing, heard an applicant presentation and staff report, and unanimously voted to find the project in substantial accord with the Comprehensive Plan. The staff report and applicant statements regarding hazardous materials, erosion control and grading were the principal evidentiary items recorded in the meeting minutes.

The commission continued separate work on a county solar ordinance at the same meeting but took no formal vote tying ordinance changes to this project.