by Jackie Nunnery
LANCASTER—The Lancaster planning commission on Thursday, September 15, held its first “2232 review” since adopting both a revised Chapter 6 of the comprehensive plan in May and a revised solar ordinance in June.
Following the public hearing, the commission voted 5-1 on the project, concluding that it substantially complied with the comprehensive plan and recommended its approval to the board of supervisors.
The special exception request from J. Rawleigh Simmons, owner, and Impact Power Solutions (IPS), agent, is for a proposed 2-megawatt solar facility. The 10.7-acre facility would be on a 76.1-acre general agriculture parcel on Mary Ball Road, roughly a mile-and-a half north of White Stone.
County administrator Don Gill outlined the task of the review. “The planning commission’s job is not tied to the ordinance. It’s based on conformance to the comprehensive plan,” he said.
Gill said the commission should be looking at three elements mentioned in Virginia Code: location, character and extent….
