Late in the planning application process, the planning officer amended their view on the site’s designation as Grey Belt to Green Belt. Despite this change, the officer still concluded that the scheme met planning policy and should be approved due to its significant public benefits and the suitability of the location.
Enviromena maintains the longstanding and evidence-based position that the land should be regarded as Grey Belt, consistent with previously accepted interpretations and the site’s characteristics.
Mark Harding, Chief Development Officer at Enviromena, said: “We are extremely disappointed that councillors have gone against the professional assessment of their own officers, who recommended this scheme for approval even after revising their designation view. Marr Solar Farm is a responsible, policy-compliant project that will contribute to the urgent need to deliver clean energy to meet the UK’s transition to net zero.
“In addition to delivery of renewable energy the project will also bring crucial biodiversity gains and socio-economic benefits both at national and local level. The Committee’s decision is not supported by the evidence, and we will now move forward with an appeal.”
Enviromena recently achieved a successful appeal on another solar project where the Planning Inspector overturned councillors’ refusal and confirmed the land should be considered Grey Belt. The company believes the clear parallels strengthen the case for Marr at appeal and the strong planning merits are further strengthened following the release of the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which was issued during the committee meeting yesterday afternoon.
Chris Marsh, CEO of Enviromena, commented: “We maintain that the correct designation for this land is Grey Belt, and the planning evidence clearly supports that position. Even after the officer’s late-stage reclassification, the professional conclusion was that Marr Solar Farm met policy requirements and should be approved.
“With the urgent need for clean, reliable energy, decisions must be rooted in evidence and established policy. We are confident that an appeal will reaffirm the strong merits of this scheme.”
Enviromena will continue to engage with local stakeholders throughout the appeal process.
