Appeal lodged after solar panel farm in 'beautiful' countryside refused

AN appeal has been lodged seeking to overturn a decision to block plans for a vast solar farm in the Northumberland countryside.

- JAMES ROBINSON

An application to erect more than 90,000 solar panels near Whittonstall was refused planning permission in August.

The 110-hectare development known as the Highfield Energy Park had been earmarked for approval by Northumberland County Council planning officers, despite more than 140 public objections.

However, councillors on the local authority's Strategic Planning Committee rejected the scheme amid concerns over the visual impact the scheme would have on the picturesque part of the county.

Developer Exagen has now submitted an appeal, arguing there is an "urgent need" for renewable energy generation due to climate change and the cost of living crisis.

In an appeal statement of case, the applicant argued that solar power is "crucial to meeting the net zero targets" and that there is a "clear and unequivocal urgent need" for renewable energy projects in Northumberland.

The development would provide enough electricity to power 21,300 homes. Exagen also argue that the project would bring economic benefits to the area, with 50 full-time jobs created during the six-month construction stage although the completed site would support the equivalent of just 0.3 FTE jobs.