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Solar Farm at Little Heath Lane, Berkhamsted, 2023
In early 2022, solar promoter Energi Generation submitted a planning application for a large-scale commercial solar farm on 32 hectares of productive agricultural land in the Green Belt near Berkhamsted, in Dacorum Borough.
The site is in a sensitive landscape adjacent to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on a prominent hillside that is visible over long distances in several directions.
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 highly valued landscapes in designated protected areas become industrialised.
Dacorum Borough Council refused the planning application in September 2022. The applicant appealed and the Planning Inspectorate then conducted an appeal Inquiry in public during the summer and early autumn of 2023. Having previously objected to the application and provided advice to local campaigners, we then participated at the Inquiry as an Interested Party, and one of our Trustees also appeared as an expert witness on biodiversity issues. In November 2022 the Planning Inspector issued his decision dismissing the appeal.
This is a big win that upholds national policy and guidance that says the need for renewable or low carbon energy does not automatically override environmental protections.
