Home / Environment / Rural Paradise vs. Solar Power: Inquiry Looms
Rural Paradise vs. Solar Power: Inquiry Looms
17 Mar
Summary
- A planning inquiry date is set for a refused solar farm.
- Northumberland council cited visual impact and heritage concerns.
- Developer Exagen cites climate change and energy needs.
A planning inquiry has been scheduled for May 12th regarding a proposed solar farm near Whittonstall, Northumberland. Northumberland County Council refused the 110-hectare Highfield Energy Park development last August, citing significant visual impact concerns.
Councillor Colin Horncastle described the planned installation of over 90,000 solar panels as the "wanton destruction of a rural paradise." The council also noted potential negative effects on two heritage assets: the Grade I listed Hopper Mausoleum and the Grade II listed Church of St Andrews.
Despite these objections, developer Exagen maintains there is an "urgent need" for renewable energy to address climate change and the current cost of living crisis. They argue the land is not a valued landscape and that the cumulative effects with existing wind farms have been assessed without unacceptable harm.
