49.99MW solar farm at Land South Of The A606, Land To The East Of Stygate Lane And North Of The A606, West Of Pickwell Lane

What was proposed

A ground-mounted solar farm of up to 49.99MW was proposed with batteries, grid infrastructure, landscaping and biodiversity improvements for 40 years.

“Application: 2024/1220/MAF ITEM 1 Proposal: Cross Boundary application for a Ground mounted photovoltaic solar farm with a capacity of up to 49.99 MW together with associated equipment, infrastructure and ancillary works Address: Land South Of The A606, Land To The East Of Stygate Lane And North Of The A606, West Of Pickwell Lane.”

“EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This application seeks full planning permission for a cross-boundary ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with an export capacity of up to 49.99 MW, incorporating battery energy storage, associated infrastructure, and biodiversity enhancements. The overall site spans 87 hectares of agricultural land divided by the A606, with approximately 18 hectares within Rutland County Council’s jurisdiction and the remainder in Melton Borough Council.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site covers 87 hectares of agricultural land across two councils, with 18 hectares in Rutland near Pickwell Lane and Whissendine Brook.

“The Rutland side subject to this application is two agricultural fields, along with the access along Pickwell Lane and the A606 that links the site to the wider site on the Melton side to the south-west. This northern parcel falling within Rutland, has an area of approximately 18 hectares, approximately 21% of the total site. It consists of one and a half fields located north of Castle View Stud Farm on Pickwell Lane.”

“The Rutland site sits on east-facing slopes at around 148m AOD, falling towards Whissendine Brook. It is crossed by existing overhead power lines, and the proposed point of connection for the solar farm to the National Grid would be located here, alongside a new substation within a secure compound. The land is currently in agricultural use and is generally open in character, with no public rights of way crossing it.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

Landscape effects would reduce as planting matured, while drainage, highways, noise, heritage, ecology and battery safety could be addressed through conditions.

“Policy context strongly influences the assessment of these impacts. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires decision-makers to give significant weight to the need for renewable and low-carbon energy, while ensuring that adverse landscape and visual effects are addressed through sensitive siting and design.”

“Subject to these conditions, the LLFA raises no objection to the application. The Environment Agency has been consulted and confirmed that it does not wish to comment. In addition, concerns raised by the Parish Council and local residents regarding flood risk have been considered.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The highway, flood, ecology and conservation authorities ultimately raised no objection subject to conditions, while fire officers requested detailed battery safety measures.

“Highway Authority The Highway Authority initially objected due to safety concerns on Pickwell Lane, but following revised plans showing a widened access, passing bays, and improved visibility splays, it now raises no objection subject to conditions securing these works and a detailed Construction Traffic Management Plan.”

“Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service Highlights fire risks from battery storage; recommends detailed Battery Safety Management Plan, emergency response strategy, hydrant provision, and compliance with NFPA 855 standards. Neighbour Representations Below is a summary of the comments. Full details can be viewed on the Council’s website. (https://publicaccess.rutland.gov.uk/online- applications/?_ga=2.69299920.1503643438.1693558555-1954588303.1693558555)”

Officer report

What local people said

There were 230 supporting submissions and 41 objections, with support for clean energy and local benefits and concerns about flooding, traffic, wildlife and landscape change.

“Support for the proposal • Cutting CO₂ / climate action / clean energy • Community benefit fund / local benefits (schools, roads, bill rebates, village facilities) • Landscaping / visual mitigation (hedges, trees, orchards, wildflower meadows) • Dual use with sheep grazing / keeping land in productive use • Local jobs / training / apprenticeships • Biodiversity enhancements / wildlife protection measures (beehives, ponds, habitat creation) • Energy security / UK…”

“06/06/2023 V1 • Flood risk / surface-water runoff to Whissendine Brook • Traffic & construction disruption on narrow lanes (Pickwell Lane, Stygate Lane) • Wildlife impacts (deer, skylark, bats, birds, badger, hare, hedgehog) • Loss of agricultural land / food security concerns • Heritage / footpaths (D68) / tranquillity & amenity loss • Battery fire risk / toxic fumes / public safety • Prefer brownfield / rooftops / offshore wind instead • Concerns about survey process / GDPR”

Officer report

Who spoke

A member of the public supported the application, another opposed it, a ward member’s representation was read out, and the applicant spoke.

The committee debate

Members discussed flood risk, biodiversity, security, community engagement, agricultural use, restoration guarantees and conditions for oversight.

“The applicant addressed concerns by outlining the flood risk assessment, biodiversity net gain, security measures, and community engagement plans, while officers clarified the technical basis for flood and landscape assessments, the enforceability of conditions, and the mechanisms for ongoing oversight and remediation.”

“Questions from Members and the public led to clarification from the applicant regarding the structure, management, and purpose of the community benefit fund, as well as commitments to ongoing community engagement, liaison groups, and local job opportunities. Although it was made clear that this fund was not a material consideration in determination of the planning application.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to approve was carried by ten votes to one.

“It was proposed by Councillor A Brown and seconded that the application be approved subject to the conditions in the report with the addition of pre planting for the landscaping before construction and the details of the makeup of a liaison group condition which were agreed within the debate.”

“Upon being put to the vote, with ten votes in favour and one against, the motion was carried.”

Minutes

Additional conditions

The committee added pre-construction landscaping planting and details of the liaison group’s membership and arrangements.

“The approval included numerous conditions covering construction, landscaping, ecology, noise, and decommissioning, with oversight to be maintained by Rutland and Melton authorities for their respective parcels, and the addition of a liaison group and pre-construction planting as further conditions to address community concerns.”

Minutes