Solar farm gets the go-ahead at Lambourn

They did so despite some local opposition and the fact that the site is within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) at Hadley Farm.
The application involves the erection of 3m high photovoltaic panels arranged in south facing rows, accompanied by inverter units and control panels. The harvested energy will be fed into the national grid.
The development is on land which forms a 27.83 hectare section of the redundant, former Second World War Membury Airfield and there are several homes near the site.
However, the applicants - national solar farm developers Orta Solar Ltd - stated: “The site is not clearly visible from any residential properties within the area and, as such, the impact on residential amenity would be low to zero.”
They point out that, due to the nearby, active airfield, the land can not be used for keeping livestock.
The application continued: “The solar farm offers a suitable use for the site as has been demonstrated by similar solar developments around the world next to active airfields.
“Brownfield sites of sufficient area are rare, but poorer quality agricultural land in remote areas with little visual impact is a good alternative. The development is temporary and can be decommissioned quickly and easily after the 25 year life span, returning the land to its original full agricultural use after the decommissioning period during the 26th year.”
The applicants pointed out that the project, as submitted to planners, followed a consultation period including a public meeting held last June in Woodland St Mary Village Hall.
The proposal went on to state: “Following the public consultation the applicant also directly consulted neighbouring land owners. The final design for the scheme has been formed to accommodate many suggestions put forward by interested parties.”
One letter of objection from an adjacent landowner raised concerns about the impact on a nearby ancient hill fort and on the wider landscape of the AONB.
Another objector feared the impact on public right of way at the fort.
But, in granting the application, planners concluded: “Notwithstanding the potential visual impact of the array, the benefits arising from the significant increase in renewable energy for the district and beyond firmly outweigh any possible landscape harm of the AONB.”