‘Hilfield Solar Farm’ at Aldenham, Hertsmere Borough, 2020 to 2024

In 2020, solar developer Enso Energy submitted a request for screening option, following by a full planning application in 2021 for a huge commercial solar farm on 130 hectares of productive agricultural land within the Green Belt at Aldenham.
There are 14 separate Public Rights of Way running through and adjacent to the site including a portion of The Hertfordshire Way long distance path, all highly valued and much-utilised by local people. In addition there are 5 listed heritage assets and a school very close by.
CPRE Hertfordshire advocates for renewable energy, and in particular “rooftop renewables” – putting solar panels on all suitable commercial, residential and municipal rooftops as well as car park canopies and other ‘brownfield’ surfaces. But we do not want to see the open countryside in designated protected areas such as the Green Belt become industrialised.
There was a huge public outcry in response to the proposed solar farm, to which we added our objections. Hertsmere Borough Council refused permission in late 2021. Enso Energy then appealed the decision and the Planning Inspectorate conducted an appeal Inquiry in 2022, at which CPRE Hertfordshire participated as part of a Rule 6 combined objectors’ group and as an expert witness. The Planning Inspector made her recommendation to the Secretary of State who had ‘recovered’ the appeal so as to make the determination himself. Finally in April 2024 the Secretary of State dismissed the appeal. We hope this decision in favour of the countryside will help deter other speculative solar farm proposals in the Green Belt.