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BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Thrapston solar farm rejection appeal dismissed
An appeal into the rejection of plans for a major solar farm has been dismissed by the Planning proposed facility at land south of Wood Lodge Farm near Thrapston would have covered 145 acres (59 hectares) alongside the appeal was lodged after North Northamptonshire Council turned down the plans in October 2024, against the advice of its planning the government's Planning Inspectorate has dismissed the appeal saying it would have a "significant effect" on the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area. The applicant said the development was designed to generate enough power for up to 15,000 group Staunch, which fought against the appeal, said it was an "exceptional effort" to have it said in a social media post it would "continue to object to developments that are inappropriate for the location but, likewise, support sensibly sorted renewable energy that will be needed to support future".In the Planning Inspectorate's report following the appeal hearing it said it would "lead to the loss of foraging habitat for sufficient numbers of qualifying species" within the Special Protection Area (SPA).Planning inspector Philip Major said "the need for renewable energy is accepted and is of significant weight" but added issues with the SPA and the lack of mitigation meant the appeal was developer had been contacted for comment. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Appeal hearing into major solar farm under way in Northamptonshire
A public inquiry into the rejection of plans for a major solar farm in Northamptonshire has heard from the planning agents and opposition proposed facility at land south of Wood Lodge Farm near Thrapston would cover 145 acres (59 hectares) alongside the applicant said the development was designed to generate enough power for up to 15,000 Major, a government-appointed planning inspector, is overseeing the two-day hearing. North Northamptonshire Council turned down the plans in October 2024, against the advice of its planning Brackenbury, who was chair of the council's planning committee when the application was considered, told the hearing: "This is a speculative development proposal on a greenfield site, which would result in the loss of good quality agricultural land and would present significant pressures on the local highway network as well as causing irreversible harm to the amenity and character of the local area." The hearing is looking at four main areas: the impact on a special protection area (SPA), impact on the landscape, use of agricultural land and access and highways of the opening day's discussion focused on whether the proposed site was "functionally linked land".This is a term used to describe areas of land that, while not officially designated as protected, are critical for supporting biodiversity and ecological processes of nearby protected sites. According to the council's report on the application, eight designated sites of nature conservation importance are located within 5km (3.1miles) of the proposed development site.A statement from the Cheney family, who own the land and have farmed the site since 1938, was read out to the said the decision to allow the solar farm "was not made lightly" and they "deliberately selected the poorest quality land on the holding".They added the project was "not about abandoning farming, it is about preserving it".Stuart Fyfe, a long-time resident who lives close to the site, told the hearing he was opposed to the solar farm and that he would "protect my home at all costs".John Franklin, who lives in Titchmarsh, added: "I am deeply concerned about the devastating effects that the proposed development will have on the countryside and wildlife."A site visit is expected to take place on planning inspector's verdict will be released on an unspecified date following the hearing. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
