The secretary of state agreed with the inspector that the 9ha extension of a previously permitted solar park belt would constitute inappropriate development and fail preserve green belt openness. He found that the park would harm a lowland vale’s landscape character and a nearby listed building, affect the countryside setting of a nearby village and result in underuse of grade 3a farmland used as orchards, contrary to national policy and guidance.
He disagreed with the inspector that the scheme’s reversibility was a relevant matter. He took the view that its 25-year lifespan would be a considerable period of time and its reversibility of was not a matter he could take into consideration.
Inspector: John Woolcock; Written representations
