Essex Council Backs Mega Solar Farm Amidst Concerns

Brentwood Borough Council has approved the development of a large solar farm and battery storage facility, spanning 220 acres at Fitzwalter's Farm. The decision, made by a narrow margin of six votes to five, followed concerns raised by opponents about the loss of agricultural land and the impact on the countryside.

Specialists Luminous Energy state the project will generate 49.9MW of power, sufficient for 23,410 homes, representing 77% of Brentwood's households. The company highlighted planned biodiversity net gains through measures like hedgerow planting. Council leader Barry Aspinell supported the decision, viewing it as a preservation of green belt land from potential housing or industrial development.

However, opposition leaders expressed reservations, with Conservative leader Will Russell calling it an 'inappropriate development in the green belt' driven by climate emergency goals. Reform UK councillor Paul Godfrey lamented the potential blight on the landscape and the loss of productive farmland. The solar park is planned to operate for up to 40 years, after which the land is to be restored. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028.