Solar farm at Land next to Ewanrigg Farmhouse, Ewanrigg Lonning, Ewanrigg

What was proposed

The application proposed an up-to-13MW solar farm with 20,608 panels, fencing, access tracks, substations and other equipment across two land parcels.

“Proposal 2.1 The proposed development comprises an “up to” 13MW solar farm and ancillary development spreading across two land parcels. The ancillary equipment proposed on-site consists of:”

“It is proposed that the solar panels would be arranged in rows facing south. Ancillary equipment as detailed above would also be included at the Site. Existing vegetation features are to be retained where possible. All panels would have an antiglare coating to minimise glint and glare as much as possible. The rows of panels would be mounted on aluminium frames supported by upright poles driven into the ground at a maximum height of 2.7m across the Site.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The approximately 19.7-hectare site was agricultural countryside outside settlement limits, near homes, woodland, heritage assets, rights of way and flood-risk areas.

“Flimby Wood (ancient woodland) is located to the southern periphery of the site, and an area of this ancient woodland also runs adjacent to the northern section of the larger solar array area (although the application site is not within this woodland). The Ewanrigg area of Maryport is approximately 500 metres to the north of the site (from the smaller solar array area proposed), and Ellenborough is within approximately 700 metres to the north.”

“The majority of the Site is within Flood Zone 1 (low probability of flooding) although a small area, within the application Site to the south east, is with Flood Zones 2 and 3 (higher flood risk). The higher flood risk area would not form part of the site to be developed however. Some parts of the Site lie within a coal mining Development High Risk Area in addition to the presence of several mine entries surrounding the Site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A previous wind turbine application on the site was refused and its appeal was dismissed because of significant adverse landscape impact.

“2/2012/0293, Erection of a single 67 m high wind turbine. Planning application for the erection of a single wind turbine (within this application site) Application refused. This was appealed (Ref: APP/G0908/A/12/2187194/NWF) in 2012 and dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate. The appeal was dismissed on the significant adverse impact on the landscape.”

“VAR/2024/0010- S.73 application to amend condition, change to approved drawing list of RMA/2019/0008 for 130 dwellings- Granted 15 December 2025. • RMA/2019/0008 Reserved Matters application for 130 dwellings – Granted 31 March 2022. • 2/2017/0257 Demolition of modern buildings at Ewanrigg Hall – Prior approval not required, confirmed/granted 13 June 2017 • 2/2017/0556 Reserved matters application for 89 dwellings (Phase 1) – Granted 15 August 2018.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal supported renewable energy, carbon reduction and energy security, while its impacts could be mitigated and reversed.

“The proposal (by its functional nature) may not be perceived to achieve an ‘attractive’ form of development; however the design is considered standard to achieve technical requirements (as outlined in NPS EN-3).”

“Overall whilst visual impacts would result, these would be mitigated by landscaping and are reversible. The site would be decommissioned after itself span of 40 years and the solar array/associated infrastructure removed. The development would assist in reduction of carbon emissions to the benefit of the environment, whilst also providing an economically strategic advantage in contributing to UK homeland energy security.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while the town council and one public response objected mainly to visual, agricultural, ecological, traffic and amenity effects.

“Consultations and Representations Maryport Town Council Object, “due to visual impact it will have from various areas of the town. Is this area in the Council’s Local Plan for industrial development? Members feel…”

“Loss of Valuable Agricultural Land. The Site consists of productive farmland, which is essential for food production and local agriculture. a significant and irreversible loss of best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land. This contradicts the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which emphasizes protecting high-quality agricultural land and prioritizing lower- grade or brownfield sites for renewable energy developments.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application.

The vote

A motion to accept the officer recommendation with changes to conditions 2, 4 and 12 was seconded and agreed unanimously.

“Following consideration of the application a Member moved to accept the Officer’s recommendation with the changes to conditions 2, 4 and 12, this was seconded.”

“A vote was taken and it was unanimously agreed.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions and delegated authority for the Service Manager to add or amend conditions.

“RESOLVED – That the application be approved subject to the conditions set out below with delegated authority being given to the Service Manager for Development and Implementation to add to and/or make any amendments to the conditions as considered appropriate.”

Minutes