Solar farm and battery storage at Land to the South of Riddings Lane, Gleaston, Ulverston

The site and surroundings

The approximately 82-hectare site was on rising agricultural land near Gleaston and Newbiggin, crossed by public footpaths and partly within flood zones.

“The Landscape character of the land is described as a Drumlin Field, whose key characteristics are tracks of high drumlins, rounded tops with steep sides, distinct landform grain, hedges and stone walls form strong boundaries, streams and wet hollows are found in the valleys and dips between drumlins. The site is crossed by a public footpath leading from Riddings Lane to Newbiggin, with the south eastern and north eastern boundaries bordered by a further footpath.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier wind turbine application was refused, while a later screening opinion found that a similar project did not require environmental impact assessment.

“SITE PLANNING HISTORY SL/2014/0302 – Erection of a single wind turbine – refused – 02/06/2014 SE/2023/0005 – Screening opinion under EIA Regulations Schedule 2 Development – EIA not required – 09/10/2023 5.0 CONSULTATIONS 5.1 Ecology 09/05/25 Designated Sites The submitted Ecological Impact Assessment states the site is Functionally Linked to the European designations of Morecambe Bay Special Protection Area/Ramsar as it regularly supports more than 1% of the…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended refusal because the proposal would harm landscape character and had not demonstrated that protected sites would avoid significant harm.

“Furthermore the development has failed to demonstrate that it would not result in significant harm to the adjacent protected landscapes or result in a detrimental impact on neighbouring occupiers. In summary, it is considered that the proposed development fails to comply with the requirements of adopted Policy and as such is recommended for refusal. Recommendation The application is recommended for refusal.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer informed members about requests for more time and further consultation on additional information.

What members considered

Members considered that more time was needed to address outstanding issues and receive Natural England’s response.

“The Principal Planning Officer informed members that the applicant for this application had requested an extension of time to try and resolve the outstanding issues.”

“The applicant had also previously submitted additional information as requested by Natural England, which was out for consultation. However, Natural England had also requested an extension of time to respond.”

Minutes