Huge solar farm next to A46 looks set to be approved despite objections

By James Smith 13th Aug 2023

NS Solar 03 has applied to build a 25MW solar farm in Sherbourne on land to the north of the A46 (image by pixabay)
NS Solar 03 has applied to build a 25MW solar farm in Sherbourne on land to the north of the A46 (image by pixabay)

Plans to build a solar farm capable of powering 7,500 homes look set to be approved despite the objections of local councillors.

NS Solar 03 has applied to build a 25MW solar farm in Sherbourne on land to the north of the A46 - with the development proposed to be in place for 40 years.

A similar scheme on an adjacent plot has already been thrown out by planners and is currently under appeal.

But Warwick District Council (WDC) has recommended this application for the 33.6 hectare agricultural field be given the green light.

A report set to be discussed by councillors on Tuesday (August 14) says the plans should go ahead.

"There would be significant benefits to biodiversity as well as other economic and environmental benefits, which both attract substantial weight in favour of the proposal," it says.

"Other potential benefits include improved soil health and the diversification of a farming business, which attract limited weight in favour of the scheme."

And while the site is within the green belt, district planners say the scheme has very special circumstances and so should be allowed.

"With no objection from the landscape officer and subject to appropriate conditions as recommended, there is considered to be no harm sufficient to justify a refusal of permission in this regard," it added.

However, Barford, Sherbourne & Wasperton Joint Parish Council has objected to the application saying there are "unresolved issues".

Meanwhile Budbrooke Parish Council also objected, saying there would be an impact on local roads.

See the full application here.

     

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