Huge solar farm approved despite objections

The planned solar panels would be mounted on a metal framework that would be easily removable when it comes to decommissioning

Plans for a solar farm the size of more than 100 football pitches on fields south of Leicester have been approved.

Soars Solar Ltd has been given planning permission for the green energy scheme on 201 acres (81 hectares) of land at Soars Lodge Farm in Foston, near Countesthorpe, by Blaby District Council.

There were 34 objections to the scheme, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said, including concerns about disruption to views and the complex being out of character with the rural area.

The developers said the solar farm would generate 49.8MW, which would power about 12,000 homes per year over 40 years.

Further objections included fears about a decrease in the value of houses, negative impact to mental health and wellbeing of people living nearby, impacts the solar farm would have on walking routes and an increase in noise pollution.

Speaking at the meeting at which the project was approved, Countesthorpe ward councillor Adrian Clifford said: "Size and visual impact of what is currently proposed represents a travesty for Countesthorpe and those who live, value and enjoy the rural setting and visual amenity of the surrounding countryside location."

The councillor said he had spoken to the firm to try to secure a site which would cause less "visual harm" to the area but had been told solar panels could not be made to "look pretty.

Glint and glare

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Swara Shah, from RE Projects Development Limited, told the meeting: "The proposal presented today is demonstrably good, well screened and supported by the planning officers.

It will contribute directly to the government's Clean Power 2030 action plan towards decarbonisation of the energy infrastructure, clean energy security and achieving net zero.

"From the outset, we have engaged thoroughly with members of the community to understand the relationship of the site with its surroundings.

"This is a temporary development, and at the end of its cycle, we are legally bound to decommission the solar farm, recycle the panels and restore the land to its former agricultural state."

The planning committee approved the scheme, subject to numerous conditions, including a condition regarding glint and glare.