Blow for campaign to stop solar farm plan

The site was previously used to store waste from nearby chemical sites

Campaigners fighting against plans that could see 100 lorries a day travelling on residential and rural roads in Cheshire said they had been told a judicial review would not have a "realistic" chance of succeeding.

A developer was given permission on appeal to fill in lime beds on a site in Northwich with construction waste and build a solar farm on it.

Residents raised funds for advice from a barrister about challenging the decision with a judicial review, and said the barrister found there were not flaws strong enough in the decision-making process for the case to go to court.

Campaigner Katie Astbury said the group would meet to discuss its next steps.

Some have concerns about a rise in the number of HGVs using the historic swing bridge

The site, off Winnington Road, is 56 hectares, and was previously used to store waste from nearby chemical manufacturing sites.

Filling in the beds and then constructing the scheme could take up to five years.

During that time, it is expected more than 100 lorries a day would come and go from the site.

The scheme was refused planning permission by Cheshire West and Chester Council in 2024 due to concerns around HGV movements.

But the planning inspectorate overturned the decision.