Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in the area.
Search the Public Notice Portal What is the Public Notice Portal?What is the Public Notice Portal?
The Public Notice Portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood.
Search the Public Notice PortalA date has been set for a planning inquiry into the refusal of a solar panel farm in the Northumberland countryside.
Plans to erect more than 90,000 solar panels near Whittonstall were blocked by councillors last 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. But councillors refused permission amid concerns over the visual impact the scheme would have on the picturesque part of the county.
Exagen, the company behind the proposals, submitted an appeal in December. The developer argued there is an “urgent need” for renewable energy generation due to climate change and the cost-of-living crisis.
It has now been confirmed that a hearing will take place to determine the outcome of the appeal on Tuesday, May 12 at 10am at Dene Park House in Hexham.
Both the council and the developer have published a statement of case outlining the arguments that will be made.
The council gives three reasons for refusal. These include the “harmful” impact of the development in he open countryside, claiming the “visual harm” from the proposals would not be outweighed by the benefits of the scheme.
Furthermore, the council say that the solar arrays, along with the infrastructure and battery storage system, would result in an “unacceptable” visual impact when taken with the existing Boundary Lane and Kiln Pit Hill wind farms.
The council will also argue that the development would cause “less than substantial” farm to wo designated heritage assets – the Grade 1 Listed Hopper Mausoleum and the Grade II Listed Church of St. Andrews. This farm would again not be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal.
Read more
Air ambulance team attends 'burns incident' in Allendale
Epic charity cycle ride comes to Corbridge
Septic tank collapse crisis for Northumberland outdoor adventure facility
The appellant will argue that the development represents a “a significant opportunity to deliver clean, domestically sourced renewable electricity and contribute to local, regional and national energy and climate objectives”. It is pointed out that the land is not designated for “landscape protection” and is “not considered to be a valued landscape”.
It stated that the “cumulative effects” with the windfarms “have been assessed and shown not to give rise to unacceptable harm”. The statement adds: “A proportionate assessment confirms that the Development would not harm the significance or setting of the Grade I listed Hopper Mausoleum, the Grade II listed Church of St Andrews…given their separation, limited intervisibility, and the enclosed nature of the wider Development.”
The applicant also argues that the development would bring “substantial” public benefits due to the production of clean energy.
Anyone wishing to attend the hearing is asked to register with the council’s case officer in advance. Attendees will be able to voice their opinions on the appeal and application.
Share