Appeal hearing into major solar farm under way
BBCA public inquiry into the rejection of plans for a major solar farm in Northamptonshire has heard from the planning agents and opposition campaigners.
The proposed facility at land south of Wood Lodge Farm near Thrapston would cover 145 acres (59 hectares) alongside the A14.
The applicant said the development was designed to generate enough power for up to 15,000 homes.
Philip Major, a government-appointed planning inspector, is overseeing the two-day hearing.
North Northamptonshire Council turned down the plans in October 2024, against the advice of its planning officers.
Wendy Brackenbury, who was chair of the council's planning committee when the application was considered, told the hearing: "This is a speculative development proposal on a greenfield site, which would result in the loss of good quality agricultural land and would present significant pressures on the local highway network as well as causing irreversible harm to the amenity and character of the local area."
The hearing is looking at four main areas: the impact on a special protection area (SPA), impact on the landscape, use of agricultural land and access and highways matters.
Much of the opening day's discussion focused on whether the proposed site was "functionally linked land".
This is a term used to describe areas of land that, while not officially designated as protected, are critical for supporting biodiversity and ecological processes of nearby protected sites.
According to the council's report on the application, eight designated sites of nature conservation importance are located within 5km (3.1miles) of the proposed development site.
A statement from the Cheney family, who own the land and have farmed the site since 1938, was read out to the inquiry.
It said the decision to allow the solar farm "was not made lightly" and they "deliberately selected the poorest quality land on the holding".
They added the project was "not about abandoning farming, it is about preserving it".
Stuart Fyfe, a long-time resident who lives close to the site, told the hearing he was opposed to the solar farm and that he would "protect my home at all costs".
John Franklin, who lives in Titchmarsh, added: "I am deeply concerned about the devastating effects that the proposed development will have on the countryside and wildlife."
A site visit is expected to take place on Wednesday.
The planning inspector's verdict will be released on an unspecified date following the hearing.
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