THE GREEN light has been given to a massive solar farm in south Warwickshire by just one vote.
Members of Stratford District Council’s planning committee narrowly approved the 81 hectare site on Fosse Way in Moreton Morrell despite hundreds of objections.
Opponents had voiced concerns over its potential impact on wildlife and the loss of farming land and heritage.
Planning officers recommended approval after they argued the benefits of clean energy. The work applicants, Innova Renewables, had also agreed to create wildlife habitats.
The planning committee passed the proposals by four votes to three on Wednesday April 2.
The overall site covers 81 hectares of land, with panels covering 46 hectares across five agricultural fields.
Ward member Coun Anne Parry and three parish councils, Newbold Pacey and Ashorne, Moreton Morrell and Lighthorne, all voiced objections to the scheme.
Coun Parry said: “As the district councillor for Wellesbourne North and Rural this application if granted would be the second large scale solar farm in my ward, which would make the rural countryside in this area transform into a solar park city, with villages like Moreton Morrell, Newbold Pacey, Ashorne and Lighthorne being like meat in a solar sandwich and I therefore wish to strongly object to this planning application.”
A total of 276 representations against the plans were also submitted, which included one from Conservative MP for Kenilworth and Southam, Sir Jeremy Wright.
There were 79 letters of support received, including a representation from Stratford Climate Action.
At the meeting Coun Trevor Harvey said national planning guidance told councillors to give significant weight to renewable energy applications.
He continued that the contractor had gone a long way to make changes to accommodate the criticisms made, which included not placing panels on higher ground.
But Coun Daren Pemberton said the plans would “undoubtedly harm” the rural patch.
He added: “We have seen a plethora of these sites in a relatively confined area, and that has an adverse impact on local communities.”
Permission for the farm lasts for 40 years, after which the land has to be returned to its former condition.
