Controversial plans for a new solar farm in Glazebury have been approved by Warrington Borough Council's development management committee, despite strong objections from residents and local councillors.
Project Details
Duckinfield Solar Ltd's application proposes an up to 10MW solar farm with associated infrastructure on land at Duckinfield House Farm, on Hurst Lane. The site, located in the green belt, comprises two parcels of agricultural land totaling approximately 16 hectares, bisected by a public right of way (PROW) that also runs along the northern boundary.
The solar panels would be installed in both fields, reaching a maximum height of 3.2 meters. An access track from the farm to the larger field via an existing level crossing, along with substations, storage containers, office facilities, a weather station, and four transformer stations, are part of the development. The site would be enclosed with 2.1-meter high deer fencing and CCTV towers up to 3 meters high. A temporary construction compound is also planned to the north-west of existing farm buildings.
Public Response
The application prompted 29 neighbour notification letters, a site notice, and a press notice. One letter of support was received, while objections came from 43 addresses. Ward councillors Matt Smith and Neil Johnson, along with Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council, also objected.
Concerns raised included inappropriate development in the green belt, loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, harm to outlook from nearby dwellings, and glint and glare impacts. However, the planning officer's report concluded that, subject to conditions, there would be 'no unacceptable impacts' on the local highway network, residential amenity, or flood risk. One condition limits the planning permission to 40 years.
Council Debate
Cllr Smith expressed 'strong concerns', stating the solar farm would have a 'significant adverse impact' on the valued public right of way. He argued that 40 years is 'not temporary in the context of a human lifetime, or the enjoyment of our local landscape' and added, 'We should not sacrifice Glazebury's rural character and the quality of our public rights of way for a project that even the case officer admits causes significant landscape harm.'
In contrast, Cllr Steve Parish, deputy chair of the committee, noted: 'It's fairly obviously Government policy that we need solar energy, and that's before the Middle East was set on fire.' He also reminded the committee of the declared climate emergency. Describing the application as 'delicate' due to the planning balance, he said, 'Given the emphasis on the need and the idea that 40 years is temporary, and from what I know of other mitigations and other cases, I think we'd have little chance at appeal, frankly.'
The application was approved as recommended, subject to conditions.
