Solar farm at Land at Devonshire Square, Calthwaite, Penrith

What was proposed

A 30MW solar farm would occupy agricultural land for up to 40 years, with panels, electrical equipment, fencing, CCTV and supporting works.

“Planning permission is sought for the installation of a solar farm and associated ancillary works at Land at Devonshire Square, Calthwaite. The proposal is for the construction and operation of a Solar PV development, with a total export capacity of 30MW AC. The proposed development comprises the following: • Individual solar PV panels mounted on racks and arranged in rows of modular tables facing south.”

“The solar PV panels will be made of non-reflective and non-corrosive materials. They will comprise rows of solar panels, with a maximum height of 2.8m, mounted on frames fixed into the ground to a depth of circa 1m. The panels will be connected using cables fixed under the rows, linking to inverters also fixed under the rows. The site will be enclosed using 2.4m high deer fencing, the panels themselves will be set in from the fencing by 5m.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site covers about 48 hectares across seven fields near Calthwaite, with earlier battery, screening and pre-application proposals recorded.

“The site comprises 7 agricultural fields on land at Devonshire Square, Calthwaite. An Agricultural Land Classification Study determined that the majority of the site is classified as Sub-grade 3b (88.5%) with localised areas of Grade 4 (9.8%) in the east and south of the site and an isolated area of Sub grade (1.7%) in the south. The site covers a total of circa 48 hectares. The village of Calthwaite is located 2.7km north east of the site.”

“The site also incorporates an underground cable route from the on-site switch room to an electricity sub-station to the east of the site (Hutton End). The Cumbrian Marsh Fritillary Site Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Skelton Pasture Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) lie adjacent to the site’s southwestern boundary; and Parson Park Wood Ancient Woodland is circa 800m south of the southern boundary of the site.”

Officer report

The application was reconsidered

The application returned after members deferred it to seek an independent land classification assessment using the 2025 Regulations.

“This application was deferred at the previous meeting in order for an Independent Land Classification Assessment to be carried out using the 2025 Regulations.”

“Following that meeting the Planning Team had looked at this and concluded that if the Council were to appoint a consultant to carry out an Independent Land Classification Assessment as requested by the Committee, there was no reason to suggest the conclusion would be any different from the appraisal carried out on behalf of the applicant.”

Minutes

Public speakers

An objector spoke about food security, alternative sites, traffic, nearby residents and rural change; the applicant’s representative supported the proposal and its land assessment.

Members debated the impacts

Members questioned sheep grazing and grid connection timing, and debated agricultural land, food security, tourism and the effects on rural communities.

“Cllr Baker asked [name withheld] for confirmation on whether or not sheep would be grazing on the site, and he responded to say that the intention was that sheep would be allowed to graze, but this would be a decision for the landowner.”

“The economic impact of Cumbria was mainly based around agriculture and the majority of the rest was tourism, and agriculture supports tourism. In agricultural terms land was valuable but across the country it just seemed to be given away.”

Minutes

The vote

Members proposed refusal contrary to officer advice, then voted six for, none against and two abstentions.

“The members were reminded that the proposal to refuse the application contrary to the officer’s advice could not be accepted without a reason in support and the reason would need to be capable of being defended on appeal.”

“Cllr Simpkins proposed that planning permission be refused for the following reason: by virtue of the scale, siting and character, the proposed development would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the rural and open nature of the countryside and the setting of the Lake District National Park, and does not adequately mitigate these impacts, contrary to the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Eden Local Plan Policies…”

Minutes

Why permission was refused

The committee found that the proposal’s scale, siting and character would significantly harm the rural countryside and the setting of the Lake District National Park.

“By virtue of the scale, siting and character, the proposed development would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the rural and open nature of the countryside and the setting of the Lake District National Park, and does not adequately mitigate these impacts, contrary to the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Eden Local Plan Policies DEV5, ENV2 and ENV6.”

Minutes