Little Chalfield solar farm rejected again

PLANS to build a solar farm in Little Chalfield have been thrown out by Government planning inspectors.

Wiltshire Council refused planning permission for the 25 hectare solar farm in September last year. But the developers, Solar Planning Ltd, appealed against this decision. Now their appeal has been refused, leaving local opponents delighted.

The appeal was finally dismissed by a governmental planning officer on Monday 18th May. His decision scuppered the developers’ plans for the 12 megawatt farm, which had been strongly opposed by local residents and campaigners, who have also fought against others in the area, notably one already built on Norrington Common.

The officer’s report confirmed dismissal on the grounds of the effect that the development would have on the landscape character and appearance.

The decision read, “The appeal proposal would introduce into this landscape a development comprising some 36,000 solar panels arranged in arrays, some inverter cabins, 2.5m high pole-mounted security cameras at 35m intervals around the perimeter and security fencing.

“The proposed scheme would therefore introduce a development of industrial appearance into an otherwise agricultural landscape for what would be at least a generation.

“There would be harm to the landscape character. Similarly, there would be harm to the appearance of the area as perceived from a very limited number of residential properties and short lengths of public rights of way. To that extent the proposal would conflict with WCS [Wiltshire Council’s] Core Policy 42 and Core Policy 51.

“Residential receptors and users of national public rights of way and routes have a high sensitivity to changes in the view. Where the proposed development would be clearly noticeable and the view would be fundamentally altered by its presence, the magnitude of change is also deemed to be ‘high’. In my judgement therefore the visual impact on certain residential occupiers would be a major adverse one, at least until the screen planting reaches a height to be effective.”

Concerns were also raised about the effects on heritage assets in the area, including Grade I and II listed buildings, conservation areas in South Wraxall, and a Grade II registered park and garden.

Protest group Wiltshire Protect were among those objecting to the plans. Group member Jack Churchill said, “Wiltshire Protect are in favour of renewable energy and crucially want to see it deployed in the most appropriate way.  This means prioritising solar onto warehousing, offices and brownfield sites rather than farmland.

“With Little Chalfield it’s good to see the planning inspectorate backing up Wiltshire Council’s decision to refuse permission.  We are encouraged by the outcome of this appeal and pleased that the planning inspectorate are looking closely at the impact these large commercial and industrial solar developments are having on the Wiltshire landscape.”

For full details of the planning application, decision, and appeal, search for case 14/05253/FUL at www.wiltshire.gov.uk.