Rutland Solar Action Group disbands after Staveley Solar Farm near Rutland Water is granted planning permission

An action group formed to opposed a planned solar farm near Rutland Water has been disbanded.

Planning permission for the 80-hectare Staveley Solar Farm south of Pilton village was granted to TotalEnergies and Anglian Water by Rutland County Council in December.

Their plans to provide energy for Anglian Water, particularly Wing Water Treatment Works, had been opposed by Rutland Solar Action Group, which supported solar panels on roofs but not on farmland’.

In a statement this week, Rutland Solar Action Group members said: “Following Rutland County Council’s decision to grant permission for Staveley Solar Farm, we have taken the decision to disband and to close the limited company of the same name.

“We received tremendous community support throughout the campaign, with 1,165 people signing our petition. Our fundraising campaign raised a total of £6,983.22, the majority of which was invested in professional planning and legal advice to oppose the application. The remainder was invested in hosting a public meeting, marketing materials and ongoing website costs.

“We are grateful to everyone who leant their support in person and by donating to the campaign. We are also grateful to the dedicated band of local volunteers who put hours and hours of their time into this campaign.

“Naturally, we are disappointed with the outcome which is evidently the wrong decision and which we believe comes with a host of long-term negative consequences.

“Our view has always been that solar should go on roofs not farmland, and that there should be an integrated, long term national energy strategy that is properly regulated.

“We have thanked our supporters and donors and advised local residents that all concerns regarding the development should now be addressed to local parish councils.”