Solar farm approved for greenbelt site near Leighton Buzzard
A solar farm is to be created producing renewable energy as part of restoration work at a Bedfordshire quarry, subject to Secretary of State greenbelt approval.
Applicant Arnold White Estates submitted full plans for a solar array, with ground mounted panels, a transformer and a substation, on land at the former Stone Lane Quarry, Woburn Road, Heath and Reach.
The project also includes underground cables, a perimeter fence, a temporary construction compound and landscaping on the 30-acre site, according to a report to Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee.
A former silica sand quarry, the land is being restored after the mineral extraction process, said the report. “The scheme is inappropriate development in the greenbelt.
“There are no grounds for objection around its impact on the historic environment. With a construction environmental management plan, the solar farm wouldn’t damage or destroy the interests of the Kings and Bakers woods and heaths site of special scientific interest (SSSI).
“Rushmere National Nature Reserve is also located on the opposite side of Woburn Road. A permissive footpath follows the site perimeter, and footpath ten runs across the south of this location.
“The proposal would result in the wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from renewable sources, which amounts to very special circumstances that outweigh the harm to the greenbelt.
“Decommissioning after its 40-year operation would involve the removal of all above ground elements and restoring the site to its current state.”
Heath and Reach Parish Council has no objection, but would like “drainage installed between the quarry and the run-off of water from the field across the bridleway and into Bryants Lane.”
Principal planning officer Peter Vosper told the committee: “These plans wouldn’t result in any unacceptable adverse impact on the surrounding countryside or neighbouring amenity.
“Approval would be subject to referral to the Secretary of State, as this is inappropriate development in the greenbelt,” he said. “Footpath ten would be restored to its previous siting.”
Conservative Heath and Reach councillor Mark Versallion asked in a written statement for a rights of way scheme to be included as a condition.
Managing director of Arnold White Estates John Fairley explained: “Arnold White Group has been restoring Stone Lane Quarry since 2013.
“This operation has involved importing 1.7m cube of inert subsoils to bring the site contours back to their original pre-sand extraction levels. This work is almost complete, pending the restoration of a public right of way and finishing off the last drainage pond.
“The restoration proposals originally envisaged the land to the north would be planted with biofuel crops. This project seeks to use the same area for solar generation.
“Our Stone Lane solar scheme brings significant benefits. Solar generation is more efficient than biofuel, and its electricity will be used locally.
“While the site is within the greenbelt, these plans make best use of low grade land. The solar generation will compliment our neighbouring turbines, providing electricity during the lower wind summer periods.
“We’ve secured grid capacity for the scheme from UK Power Networks. The site is well-screened from the surrounding area. Views from the footpath will be in the context of a wind generation backdrop.
“There are no adverse impacts associated with heritage, noise, glare or ecology. No objections have been received from the surrounding community.”
Conservative Dunstable West councillor Nigel Young asked whether “the current proposal for the siting of the rights of way maintains the landscape views councillor Versallion is concerned about”, which Mr Vosper confirmed would be retained. Councillors approved the development.