Plans for a solar farm near Nantwich that could power over 6,500 homes annually are on the brink of approval.
Noventum Power Ltd has set its sights on erecting a solar farm spanning 17.5 hectares at Hatherton Lodge Farm, situated off Hunsterson Road, in open countryside.
The proposed development primarily consists of installing PV panels across four fields, with an aim to generate roughly 12MW of electricity, which is projected to supply energy to upwards of 6,500 homes each year.
This isn't the first attempt to create a solar farm on this particular site. Back in 2015, Cheshire East Council turned down a different applicant's proposal for a solar farm capable of producing about 8.28MW.
In 2016 the applicant won an appeal, although the project never materialised and the permission expired in February 2019.
The latest bid for the solar farm is slated for review at the upcoming meeting of Cheshire East's strategic planning board in Crewe on Wednesday.
According to the planning officer's report: "The planning balance in the inspector's report for the 2015 appeal is a useful starting point here as in most regards the circumstances remain unchanged...
"There will be a significant visual impact on the public right of way adjacent to the site, however the effects are very localised to specific stretches and mitigation will in time limit the impact on those views.
"Similarly, a limited number of properties will have an impact on their outlook – the property named 'Bearcats Field' in particular, but the moderate impact is considered acceptable.
"Wider landscape impacts are considered limited."
It continues: "Whilst the development is not on a brownfield site, and will have an impact on agricultural land, it is largely poorer quality land and, in accordance with government guidance in the PPG (planning policy guidance), brings ecological benefits.
"A significant benefit, in line with policies at a national and local level, is the supply of energy from a renewable resource."
One individual has lodged objections to the proposal due to concerns regarding the loss of agricultural land, potential adverse effects on the landscape and views, and the impact on wildlife."
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