PLANS for a solar farm in Sparsholt have been approved by city council planners.
Novus Renewable Services Limited applied for permission for a solar farm, and complete associated development, at land south of Crabwood, Sarum Road. According to the applicant, the solar farm will provide power to 4,700 homes.
The application, which the planning committee previously discussed in February, has proven controversial, with more than 160 letters of objection calling for the plans to be scrapped.
However, Winchester City Council’s planning committee approved the plans on Wednesday, September 25.
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Samantha Culhane, of Beechcroft Farm, objected to the application over fears it could negatively impact the rural views.
She said: “As the fourth generation of my family to farm at Beechcroft, we have had to diversify to maintain financial stability. To this end, we have set up a hireable cottage, as well as a farm shop and tea room. The views and the countryside are the main selling points of these businesses, views which will be ruined by this development.
Cllr Sue Bell, from Sparsholt Parish Council, also opposed the plans, saying that the application “is simply in the wrong place.”
Cllr Caroline Horrill, ward councillor for Wonston and Micheldever, said: “This is a difficult planning application, and as we know, this is the second time it has come around. At no stage has anyone indicated they are against solar farms – in fact, quite the opposite.
“However, what is clear today is that the location of this solar farm is completely inappropriate and, despite many options being brought forward, no progress has been made on the alternative sites.
“Councillors, please overturn this application and find a route through that works for all members of the district.”
Speaking on behalf of Hursley Parish Council, Cllr Eleanor Bell said that she supported the application, saying: “We understand the concerns, but feel they do not outweigh the benefit to the local area of an opportunity to generate green energy.”
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Nicola Jones, an agent for the application, told the committee: “The council declared a climate emergency in June 2019, with a target to become (carbon) neutral by 2030. The solar farm can provide a significant contribution to this target and could have been constructed by the end of 2024.
“We have heard from objectors this morning, however, it is useful to note the high level of support for this application shown by members of WinACC and local residents. This solar farm can be built next year to help quickly achieve national and local targets.”
Cllr Jonathan Williams said: “Planning is all about balance, no one policy outright rides another, so, therefore, we must consider the public benefits as well.
“Where adverse impacts are noted by the objectors and throughout the officer's report, I am satisfied that these are covered throughout conditions, and therefore I will be supporting this application.”
Cllr Patrick Cunningham said: “It comes down to a fine balance of judgement on an individual basis whether the identified harm caused to this landscape by its commercial industrialisation is outweighed by the public benefit.
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“In my view, I don’t believe that it has. I will not be supporting the recommendation.”
Cllr Paula Langford-Smith also said that she would vote to refuse, saying: “I am concerned about the impact on an outstandingly beautiful countryside location. In the sunlight, when I visited the site, it was stunning. Due to the elevation of the land around the site, I don’t believe planting will mitigate, and I believe with our landscape officer that we need to protect this historic landscape.”
The vote of the committee was split, with four members voting in favour of the application, and four against.
Committee chair Cllr Jane Rutter used her casting vote to approve the plans.
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