'Prison-like' solar plans are refused for a second time

REJIGGED solar farm plans in the Derbyshire countryside have been rejected for a second time due to their impact on agricultural land and “prison-like” appearance.

- By EDDIE BISKNELL

South Derbyshire district councillors railed against plans for a 116-acre solar farm between Lullington and Coton in the Elms, rejecting it for a second time in four years.

The scheme, from Island Green Power, had once covered 173 acres and was rejected in 2022 before being refused at appeal in 2023, largely hinging on the impact on valuable farming land used for food production.

The land is used to grow specialist crisping potatoes for Walkers Crisps, with only 80 farms in the UK able to do so due to soil quality requirements.

Councillors said agricultural land needed to be prioritised for food production, not for renewable energy installations, fearing the permanent loss of valued green space across the district.

During this week's meeting, with around 40 residents present, council officers recommended that the reduced plans, which could power 10,600 homes annually, should be approved.