Developers appeal against refusal of solar farm near Belvoir Castle

Developers have lodged an appeal against a decision to refuse planning permission for a solar farm near Belvoir Castle.

Melton Borough Council rejected a plan for a 100-hectare (247 acre) complex, off Muston Lane, Easthorpe, near Bottesford, in September.

Permission was refused following more than 130 objections from members of the public

The applicant, JMB Solar, now wants to have the decision overturned.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the council's planning committee believed the application should be denied because of the loss of agricultural land, the cumulative impact of all the new solar farms in the area and the impact on public rights

The committee also said the solar farm would cause harm to local heritage assets, including Belvoir Castle, which sits on the Lincolnshire/Leicestershire border.

At the time of the meeting, planning officers warned the committee the decision to refuse was "not robust" and could be seen as "unreasonable", the LDRS said.

Officials said the temporary nature of the solar farm, as well as the benefits of renewable energy production at a time of a climate crisis, would be considered of greater weight when it came to an appeal.

Over its 40-year lifespan, it is estimated enough energy would have been created for 19,000 homes from the panels and planning officers said the site was not considered "the best and most versatile" agricultural land.

Planning officers said some farming use, such as sheep grazing, could continue during the 40 years.

Planning documents also suggested that long distance views of the farm would be largely screened by trees and hedges, reducing impact on the surrounding countryside and the nearby historic buildings.

Walkers would still be able to move through and around the area, the application added, and outdoor classrooms and picnic spaces were proposed along the route.

Conor McAllister, project manager for JBM Solar, said: "This is a well-considered scheme, set back from homes to avoid visual impact, and of an appropriate size to deliver much needed green energy without being a blight on the landscape.

"It is extremely disappointing that Melton Borough Council members have chosen to refuse an application that would help lower energy bills, improve the UK's energy security and significantly contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions."

No date has been set for a planning inspector to hear the appeal.

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