Rutland Solar Action Group makes formal complaint to Rutland County Council over Staveley Solar Farm

An action group that opposes a proposed solar farm has made a formal complaint against the council handling the planning application.

Members of Rutland Solar Action Group says council planning procedures were not followed for the 80-hectare Staveley Solar Farm between Pilton and Morcott.

It believes Rutland County Council was wrong not to require an environmental impact assessment for the development proposal.

The assessment can help local authorities understand the potential major environmental effects of a development they are due to decide. It also allows members of the public to become aware of concerns and what can be done to offset potential effects.

Douglas Reid, director of Rutland Solar Action Group, said: “We are in favour of renewable energy and a balanced national energy strategy comprising solar, but not the unregulated mass destruction of farmland, which is required more than ever to ensure local and national food security.

“It’s regrettable we have had to make a formal complaint against our own county council, but we believe it has failed to follow due process in agreeing with the developer that an environmental impact assessment was not required for this development.”

The group has called on Rutland MP Alicia Kearns (Con) to push the Government for a temporary halt to solar farms proposed on agricultural land until policy and regulation is developed to better balance energy and food sustainability.

Members of Morcott Parish Council and North Luffenham Parish Council have voted to oppose Staveley Solar Farm, a proposal drawn up by Bluestone Energy and Anglian Water. If it is granted by the council, most of the energy harnessed would be used to power Anglian Water’s operations.

Other solar farms proposed in Rutland are Mallard Pass at Essendine, and Exton Energy off The Avenue, near Exton.

Mr Reid said Rutland Solar Action Group members want solar panels to be on previously developed ‘brownfield’ sites and rooftops, not farmland.

“Unfortunately, this proposal is not about sustainability and the environment, but reducing costs and boosting the profits of a large private company,” he added.

Rutland Solar Action Group is made up of residents from Pilton, Morcott, Wing and North Luffenham.

Rutland County Council was asked to comment but has so far not responded.