Shap solar farm plans rejected

Plans for a proposed solar farm near Shap have been refused because of concerns that the development would have a harmful impact on what was described as ‘extremely rare landscape’.

When members of Westmorland & Furness Council’s strategic planning committee met at Kendal Town Hall on Wednesday (February 4) five voted to refuse planning permission with just two supporting the proposal.

Planning officer Andrew Willison-Holt told members that the change of use of the land would be for a 40-year period and the site would surround a property known as Trainriggs. He added: "We’ve had a lot of interest in this from the members of the public."

He said the development would present a 'residential impact' on the occupants of Trainriggs, as it would surround the property, and the harmful impact on the surrounding landscape was the main reason for the recommendation to refuse permission.

The council had received a petition against the solar farm which had 252 signatures and two speakers spoke against it because of the harmful impact on the landscape.

However, the applicant’s agent spoke in favour because it would generate enough electricity to power 8000 homes and it would contribute to the council’s climate change targets and action plan. He said there were no objections from statutory consultees and the two nearby national parks.

Councillor Jean Jackson, the chairwoman of Shap Parish Council, said they were unanimously opposed to the development because of the impact on the 'extremely rare landscape' and added: "It would industrialise the landscape."

She said that it would also impact on tourism and added: "Allowing this to go ahead would create a precedent."

Councillor Graham Simpkins (Appleby and Brough, Lib Dems) said it was a temporary measure which represented a 40-year loan of the land and added: "We need to up the delivery of our solar power."

Councillor Bill McEwan (Ormsgill and Parkside, Labour) said there were a number of objections and, if they rejected the plan, the applicant would likely appeal, and he added: "I can’t see it spoiling any tourism."

And councillor Rupert Audland (Kent Estuary, Lib Dems) agreed there were lots of objections and it would be ‘seen for miles’ by motorists using the M6. He described the area as 'rugged countryside' and added: "Tourism is one of our biggest industries."

Councillor Frank Cassidy (Walney Island, Labour) said he accepted the officer’s recommendation but added: "It’s a very close call."

And councillor Hilary Carrick (Hesket and Lazonby, Conservative) said it was a 'challenging application' and climate targets were not always going to work in Westmorland & Furness.

Cllr Simpkins observed that the area already had industrial uses as there were nearby quarries and added: "I think this is a lot less impactful than the quarries."

Councillor Lorna Baker (Eden and Lyvennet Vale, Lib Dems) said: "We have to put quarries where they are needed but you don’t have to put the solar farm there."

Cllr Audland proposed that they support the officer’s recommendation and refuse planning permission. He added: "It’s an important decision and I think we need to get it right."