A Barrow councillor has insisted a controversial solar farm near Shap would not have damaged tourism – despite the scheme being thrown out by planners over fears it would scar an “extremely rare” landscape.
As reported yesterday by Penrith.town, Westmorland and Furness Council’s strategic planning committee voted on Wednesday (February 4) to refuse permission for the proposed solar farm on land near Shap. Five councillors voted against the plans, with just two in support.
Following the decision, Shap Parish Council chairwoman Jean Jackson said the parish council had been unanimously opposed to the development.
She said: “We were unanimously opposed to the development because of the impact on the extremely rare landscape. It would industrialise the landscape.”
Mrs Jackson also warned the scheme would harm tourism and could set a dangerous precedent if approved, saying allowing it to go ahead would open the door for similar developments in the area.
The planning committee agreed the proposal would cause unacceptable harm to what was described as an “extremely rare landscape”, leading to the refusal.
However, Councillor Bill McEwan (Ormsgill and Parkside, Labour) took a different view, telling the meeting he could not see the development damaging visitor numbers.
He said there had been a number of objections but warned that refusing the plans could lead to an appeal, adding: “I can’t see it spoiling any tourism.”
Councillor Graham Simpkins (Appleby and Brough, Lib Dems) also backed the scheme, arguing the solar farm would only be temporary.
He said it amounted to a 40-year “loan” of the land and added: “We need to up the delivery of our solar power.”
Cllr Simpkins also pointed out that the area already has industrial activity, with nearby quarries, saying: “I think this is a lot less impactful than the quarries.”
But Councillor Lorna Baker (Eden and Lyvennet Vale, Lib Dems) disagreed, telling colleagues: “We have to put quarries where they are needed but you don’t have to put the solar farm there.”
Proposing refusal in line with officers’ recommendations, Councillor Audland said: “It’s an important decision and I think we need to get it right.”
It is understood the applicant is now considering lodging an appeal with the Secretary of State, which could see the decision reviewed at a national level.
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