49.9MW solar farm at Land to the east and west of Engine Lane, Grimethorpe, Barnsley

“The application seeks full planning permission for the erection and operation of a grid- connected solar photovoltaic farm with a generating capacity of up to 49.9MW for a temporary period of 40 years. The development includes solar arrays, inverters, transformers, switchgear, a customer substation, a grid substation, security fencing and CCTV, with the majority of infrastructure located within Parcel A to connect to the existing 132kV overhead line.”

“This application seeks full planning permission for the erection and operation of a grid- connected solar photovoltaic farm, to supply up to 49.9MW at peak operation, with ancillary infrastructure, landscaping, and biodiversity enhancements. The development is proposed for a period of 40 years.”

“The site comprises of three parcels of generally agricultural land which extend to either side of Engine Lane (A6195);”

“The total redline area of the site measures circa 90.5Ha and several footpaths and Public Rights of Way run through and adjacent to the site. The site is entirely within the Green Belt.”

“Meet national Energy targets - Capacity to generate up to 49MW of renewable energy to be exported into the national grid, contributing to the identified urgent need to meet the rapid increase in the electricity demand required to meet the UK’s transition to net zero and the nation’s energy security needs – significant positive weight.”

“As a result of the above, it is concluded that the combined benefits associated with the proposal constitute the ‘Very Special Circumstances’ required by NPPF paragraph 153 to clearly outweigh the harm to the Green Belt and any other harms identified.”

“Assessment must be made of the visual and spatial elements of the impact of the proposal on Green Belt openness…”

“Ward Councillors – The three Cudworth councillors submitted a joint objection with the following points;”

“In accordance with agreed protocol, a recorded vote was taken on this planning application with the amendment to DEFER the application:”

“As the motion to defer the application had fallen another recorded vote was taken on the planning application in accordance with agreed protocol. The vote was taken with the amendment to REFUSE the application:”

“RESOLVED that Members REFUSED the application, against the Officer recommendation. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the proposed development constituted an inappropriate development within the Green Belt and, in accordance with paragraphs 153 and 160 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), substantial weight must be afforded to the resulting harm.”

“While the development would deliver benefits through renewable energy generation, support for climate change mitigation objectives, enhanced energy security, biodiversity gains, and wider socio-economic outcomes, these considerations do not amount to the very special circumstances necessary to clearly outweigh the harm arising from the development.”