28MW solar farm at Land South Of Hall Road, Alderford

“Applicant’s Name: OPDE UK Ltd Site Address Land south of Hall Road, Alderford Proposal Installation and operation of a Solar Farm together with all associated works, equipment and necessary infrastructure.”

“The application proposes the installation and operation of a solar farm with associated works, equipment and infrastructure that includes a substation, control room, inverters, transformers, security cameras, fencing, access and landscaping. The solar farm will have a capacity of 28MW and will be operational for 40 years following the first export of electricity.”

“The site has a total area of approximately 29 hectares (ha) and is located on the southern side of Hall Road in Alderford. It comprises three fields used for arable farming and there is a net decline in levels to the south. The outside boundaries of the site to the north, west, south and east comprise a mixture of trees and hedges.”

“In respect of heritage assets, the aforementioned Church of St. John the Baptist is Grade II* listed and is approximately 200m to the northeast of the nearest part of the application site. Two Grade II listed buildings at Dovecote Barn and Church Farm House are located approximately 280m to the northeast.”

“In advance of the application, the applicant submitted a request for a Screening Opinion to the Council to determine whether the project would require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be carried out. Having considered this against the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations as amended, it was determined that the project is not EIA development.”

“2025/1119 Request under Town and County planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 for screening opinion for Solar Photovoltaic Farm EIA not required…”

“This application will generate electricity from clean, renewable and sustainable sources. The solar farm will have a generating capacity of approximately 28MW and will provide enough energy to power approximately 7,670 homes and save approximately 1,498,000 tonnes of CO 2 over the 40 year period of operation. National planning policy guidance and the adopted policies of the development plan provide in-principle support for renewable energy proposals.”

“Consideration has also been given to the impacts of the development on a range of factors including the character and appearance of the area, the cumulative impacts alongside other energy projects, heritage assets, residential amenity, highway safety, ecology and BMV land. I do not consider that any harms arising, either individually or collectively, amount to ‘significantly adverse’ and are not of sufficient weight to warrant refusal of the application.”

“Use of predominantly BMV land: 75% Grade 2 land, 12% Grade 3a • Have special circumstances been shown • Solar farms can be placed at other locations. Crops need good land there is a brownfield site close to substation at Alderford • Should use lesser quality land that is not fulfilling an active role in Britain’s food security and crop production • Government recommends development on previously developed and non- agricultural land • UK is not self-sufficient in domestic…”

“Panels affect light and rainfall distribution • Vegetation change affects animal food sources • Land would have changed after 30 years doubt it would easily be put back to food production • Experts dispute whether the land can be returned to its original state • Damage to soil invertebrates • Beautiful views will no longer be there • Will disturb wildlife corridors • Flora diversity will alter with the amount of shade from panels • The development will dominate the…”

“The proposed development will result in the loss of Grade 2 and Grade 3a agricultural land - the Best and Most Versatile land - across the site for over 40 years. The loss and impact of losing 29 hectares of Best and Most Versatile land is not considered to be outweighed by the benefits of the proposed renewable energy generation.”

“Members voted 5 to 4 for refusal which was contrary to the officer recommendation (which was lost 4-5).”