Econergy submits planning application to Rutland County Council for solar farm at Barnsdale and Exton

An Israeli energy company has drawn up plans for a new solar farm in the Rutland countryside.

It has been two-and-a-half years since Econergy first revealed its plans to build on land owned by Exton Estates.

The site is about 1.8km south west of Exton, and bordered by Exton Lane to the south and Barnsdale Avenue to the east. Barnsdale Gardens and Rutland Falconry Centre would be on the edge of it.

The firm’s proposal attracted strong opposition from neighbours during a public consultation exercise in 2022. They feared the development would spoil their countryside views and be harmful to wildlife.

Econergy has responded by making several amendments to the proposed scheme before submitting its planning application to Rutland County Council for consideration.

The scheme now includes a 50m buffer zone along the eastern boundary which would be used for planting to reduce the visual impact. Solar panels have been removed from the south eastern corner, the positioning of necessary infrastructure has been changed and a permanent buffer zone with a wild bird feed strip would be added to the western boundary.

The firm is seeking permission to operate for 40 years before returning the land to its current state.

It is estimated the solar panels would generate up to 49.9 megawatts of energy - enough clean electricity to power 14,400 homes each year.

Econergy has pledged to contribute £500 to the community for each megawatt produced per year - amounting to about £1million during the farm’s lifetime. Business rates are also predicted to reach £5million during the 40-year project.

If plans are approved, Econergy is expected to lease the land from Exton Estates before returning it to agricultural use.

The solar farm would take about seven weeks to build, with rows on solar panels mounted on metal frames and reaching a maximum height of three metres.

People can comment on the application until February 25, after which a decision will be made by the council’s planning committee.

In December the committee approved separate plans for a solar farm at Pilton.

The Mallard Pass solar farm near Essendine was also granted permission by the Secretary of State despite a long-fought campaign by the community.

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