Solar farm on Tilsworth greenbelt granted 10 year extension
A former deputy leader of Central Bedfordshire Council has spoken of her “hate” for having to agree a longer lifespan for a renewable energy project in the greenbelt near Leighton Buzzard.
What was previously described as a “sheep-proof” solar farm was granted planning permission on land north of Stanbridge Road at Tilsworth in 2021.
Applicant Trinity Solar Farm Limited asked to alter a condition on those full plans, and to change one on a previous request to vary a condition in 2024.
The solar farm includes transformer stations, a temporary construction compound, a storage container for spare parts and two substation buildings.
This agricultural land is classified as Grade 3(b), and so not considered to be the best and most versatile, according to a report to CBC’s development management committee.
The company wants to extend the operational period of the solar farm from 30 to 40 years, said the report. “Wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from a renewable source make the scheme acceptable.
“The intention of the original planning condition isn’t lost or undermined. Within six months of its use for generating electricity ending or from the allocated time period, whichever is sooner, the solar panels shall be removed.
“That also applies to any supporting apparatus, mountings, cabling, CCTV cameras, foundations, inverter stations, fencing and other equipment, with the land restored to preserve the greenbelt.”
Stanbridge Parish Council objected because “this increases the impact on the greenbelt beyond a reasonable time”.
Principal planning officer Tom Mead told the committee: “A previous variation of condition was approved to amend the orientation of the solar panels to an east to west one, rather than north to south.
“A condition requires the site to be decommissioned and equipment removed after 30 years from the date when the electricity is first generated,” he explained.
“The application seeks to vary that condition and extend the operational timeframe from 30 to 40 years. Advances in technology allow solar panels to work effectively for longer periods, so they don’t become obsolete after 30 years.
“This extension increases the length of time there’ll be an adverse effect on the greenbelt, but very special circumstances clearly outweigh the harm. Once the agreed period of time has elapsed, the solar panels are to be decommissioned and the land returned to its original agricultural use.
“The development is almost completely installed. The applicant has confirmed the site is expected to start generating electricity by the end of this month.”
Conservative Cranfield and Marston Moretaine councillor Sue Clark said: “I hate this. I’m sure we’ve plenty of solar farm applications that are for 30 years, so it’s clear there’ll be more of these (requests). There’s absolutely nothing we can do except grant it.”
Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Victoria Harvey warned: “Considering the speed of climate change, the more renewable energy we can have the better.”
She called for an informative note to cover climate change assessments into the volumes of rainfall and surface water locally.
Councillors unanimously approved the request to vary the two conditions, along with councillor Harvey’s suggestion around the potential for flooding.