Solar array at Woburn Road, Heath and Reach

What was proposed

The application sought a 40-year solar array with panels, electrical equipment, underground cabling, fencing, a temporary compound and planting.

“APPLICATION NUMBERCB/25/02340/FULL LOCATIONLand at the former Stone Lane Quarry, Woburn Road, Heath and Reach, LU7 0AP PROPOSALInstallation of a solar array comprising: ground mounted fixed tilt bifacial solar panels; string inverters; transformer; substation; underground cables and conduits; perimeter fence; temporary construction compound; and associated infrastructure and planting scheme.”

“A permissive footpath follows the perimeter of the site and Footpath 10 runs across the south of the site. The Application: Full planning permission is sought for the installation of a solar array comprising: ground mounted fixed tilt bifacial solar panels, string inverters, transformer, substation, underground cables and conduits, a perimeter fence, a temporary construction compound, and associated infrastructure and a planting scheme.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions covered quarry restoration, waste operations and access matters, while a 2023 screening opinion found that an environmental impact assessment was unnecessary.

“DecisionWaste Application - Granted Decision Date30 January 2026 Application NumberCB/23/00245/SCN DescriptionEIA Screening Opinion: for a solar array area DecisionEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) not required Decision Date15 February 2023 Application NumberCB/16/00663/MW DescriptionAmendment to condition 13 of planning permission ref.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because renewable-energy benefits were considered very special circumstances outweighing limited Green Belt harm and no other unacceptable harm was identified.

“The solar array would also contribute to the national Net Zero target by 2050. The proposal would result in a limited impact on Green Belt openness and would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the wider landscape and countryside. It would provide a Biodiversity Net Gain in excess of 10%. Furthermore the solar array would be a temporary use of the land for a period of 40 years at which point the scheme would be decommissioned.”

“10.11In response, the renewable energy benefits of the proposal and the need to support the transition to a lower carbon economy are acknowledged. The proposal would therefore support the delivery of the Council's Sustainability Plan and the wider climate change ambitions for the Central Bedfordshire area.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised matters about drainage, rights of way, ecology and public art, but relevant consultees ultimately offered no objection subject to conditions or mitigation.

“Accordingly, I offer no highways objection subject to the inclusion of listed conditions, most of which are from application ref. 13/04406/MW and which remain pertinent to this application. Green Infrastructure No Objection The application includes a positive net gain of green infrastructure features, by including infiltration basins, mitigation tree belts, and an hedgerow offset from the perimeter fence.”

“If the above comments can be secured via conditions, then Rights of Way will be happy to support this application. Public ArtGiven the proposed scale of development there would be a requirement for public art to be secured by condition. If this cannot be delivered within the site, then a contribution towards the development and delivery of public art in the local area should be secured.”

Officer report

Residents’ comments

Two neighbour representations requested an A5 HGV route and raised concerns about Footpath 10, additional hedges and winter drainage.

“Other Representations: NeighboursTwo representations received as comments: A planning condition is required to ensure that all HGVs constructing and servicing this solar array site use the A5 to enter and exit the site thus avoiding the village of Heath and Reach. Public footpath 10 should remain at the top of the hill with an open aspect. We do not need any more hedges to be planted as they will need maintenance and restrict the view.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the ward councillor by statement and the applicant’s agent.

The vote

Eleven members voted for approval, with none against and none abstaining.

“On being put to the vote 11 members voted to approve the application, 0 voted against approval and 0 members abstained.”

Minutes