The purpose of the Greenbelt is to protect the countryside from urban sprawl and industrial development. This application is within the green belt, is industrial, and is substantial.

We are not against solar panels, in fact we are supporters of all types of renewable energy. However, there is sufficient land outside the greenbelt to place solar farms. The only reason for this location being chosen is a willing land owner who wishes to make more money, and its location next to a substation. This will make it cheaper for the Spanish investor to install and to make more profit. There is no financial benefit to the people of North Hertfordshire.

Solar farms can be placed a considerable distance from sub stations (up to 10KM) if the developer is willing to pay for the cost of the cable. This means that other locations can be selected outside of the green belt and there is no evidence within the application of an attempt to locate such sites.

This land is graded 2 and 3a which is defined as very good/good quality agricultural land. The fact that it is difficult to find poorer quality land within the district and outside of the green belt is also not compelling evidence. If there is no poor quality land within the green belt within North Herts, the only logical conclusion is that industrial scale solar plants are not the right renewable solution for this area.

If approved, this development is likely to propagate further applications to extend the solar farm because a principle has been established, and the cost of connecting to it is cheap. When this development comes to decommissioning, what guarantees are in place that it will be removed and recycled? The profits will be long gone and the area will be considered as a brown field site for further development.

The proposed development would forever change the historic context of the area, as well as result in an acute loss of amenity value and an associated impact on wildlife.

A similar application was rejected in 2016 because it did not demonstrate the ‘very special circumstances’ which are sufficient to outweigh the substantial weight that should be given to any harm to the Green Belt. We do not believe that the facts have changed since that time.
Central Government is already acting to significantly increase renewable energy production through substantial investment into offshore wind farms, nuclear energy and hydrogen production by electrolysis. They have already approved, and funded, projects that will generate sufficient power for all of our houses by 2030, with over 75% capacity by 2026.

We are experiencing price increases in staple foods and this application will further add to the substantial loss of arable land in Britain, estimated at 100,00 acres per year. This parcel of land produces 200 tons of wheat each year and is unlikely to ever be returned to agricultural use if the application is successful. When it is gone, it is gone.