Government will not review solar farm decision

The University of Surrey's plans for a solar farm were approved in November

The government will not review the approval of plans to build a solar farm on green belt land near Guildford.

The University of Surrey was granted permission to build the facility on a 43-hectare site west of Blackwell Farm, Hog's Back, in November.

Godalming and Ash MP Jeremy Hunt, who requested the approval be reviewed by the government, said he was "disappointed" by the Secretary of State's decision not to call it in.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government did not comment due to the minister's statutory role in the planning system.

Hunt said in a social media post he was "disappointed" to receive confirmation that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had decided the application would not be called in for determination.

He said he, along with Compton Parish Council, had requested the review due to the prominence of the site and because some of the land had been recommended for inclusion in the Surrey Hills National Landscape as a part of an expansion consultation.

The letter from the government department said Rayner was content that the decision should be made by the local planning authority, Guildford Borough Council.

Hunt added that the deadline for the Surrey Hills National Landscape ended in December and he was awaiting confirmation of next steps from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

A spokesperson for the University of Surrey said the application "was never likely to be called in" and that the council's decision came at the end of an "extensive and consultative" 18-month planning process.

They added: "Our project is firmly in line with local and national planning policy priorities.

"We regret the three-month delay, but now look forward to proceeding with our plans to deliver clean, green energy for our campus."

The Students' Union submitted a letter of support for the application, but about 100 local residents and 15 other groups had sent letters of objection.

Guildford Borough Council has been contacted for further comment.