Plans for a 52-hectare solar farm on Basingstoke countryside have been approved.
The proposal for a 30MW solar farm, covering three arable fields at Hook Lane, Malshanger, was approved by the development control committee of Basingstoke and Deane on February 11.
The farm will generate enough power for around 8,000 homes, with a temporary operational life of 40 years, and is expected to take 12 months to construct.
Councillors expressed concerns about traffic flow during construction, as it would disrupt a country lane.
The application had previously received 33 letters of rejection and 8 letters of support.
Jamie Jamieson spoke in support, he said: “We appreciate that some of the larger solar farms in the district have been receiving a large amount of objections.
“It’s temporary; there are no public rights of way crossing the solar farm itself. Agricultural use will be detained on the land, including sheep grazing, and we are keen to explore seed planting.”
He stated that the maximum articulated lorry levels would be five a day and that weekends, early morning and evenings would be free of construction traffic.
Cllr Julian Jones asked about traffic around harvest time. Mr Jamieson said they have a detailed traffic management plan and would be happy to work with landowners.
Cllr Richard Court asked why the proposal wasn’t suggested on a brownfield site, with Mr Jamieson replying that it is not viable to develop solar on a brownfield land, as there is a better chance of it being used to develop housing or commercial sites.
He added that the size of solar farms is often bigger than brownfield sites in urban areas.
During questioning of officers, it was established that the public right-of-way would remain open as long as possible but would be disturbed when cable is laid, and that the construction route into the southern compound would come from B3400 via Malshanger Lane.
Cllr Mike Bound said: “It’s making a good contribution to renewable energy supplies that’s over a long period of time, supplying a great number of homes.
“There will be a loss of fertile land, the loss is only considered to be temporary. It’s a long-term, but nevertheless it is temporary.
“Meanwhile, it could be grazed by sheep. There will be a negative effect of the landscape character but I think the positives more than outweigh. All in all, I’m happy with the proposal.”
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Cllr Andrew McCormick said: “I am inclined to move the recommendation. I’ve got one or two concerns about natural habitat but we have to have a planning balance here.
“It would power the houses at Manydown, that’s a lot of weight to consider. I am happy to move it.”
Cllr Sheena Graasi seconds this.
Eight councillors vote in favour, one abstained and the application is approved.
To view the application search 23/03012/FUL on Basingstoke and Deane’s Planning Portal.
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