Committee approves Melton solar farm despite concerns

Councillors have unanimously approved plans for a solar farm in Leicestershire despite voicing concerns it was "not the right place" for it .

At a planning committee meeting on Thursday councillors at Melton Borough Council discussed proposals for the solar farm on land east of Waltham Road, Freeby.

Previously the applicant, Downing Renewable Developments, said the development would produce up to 42 MW of renewable energy and could provide enough electricity to power about 10,000 homes.

Members of the planning committee said changes to the National Planning Policy Framework meant they now had their hands "tied behind their back" when it came to decisions about solar farms.

Under changes to the policy framework, published in August 2026, the government said "substantial weight should be given to benefits for energy security, economic development and net zero".

Planning officers from the council had recommended the plans be approved subject to a section 106 agreement, but five members of the planning committee gave the plans the green light "with reluctance", councillor Ian Atherton said.

The applicant says the project, which would be built on a site spanning 81 hectares (200.2 acres), would be decommissioned in approximately 42 years time.

David Chubb, representing the Wymondham ward, said there had been "consistent opposition" to the development from local residents and highlighted concerns about the "industrialisation" of the "historic undisturbed landscape" which had "exceptional character".

Peter Barnett, from Freeby Parish Council, spoke at the meeting to raise the council's "continued objection" to the plans.

James Mason, who represents Bottesford and voted to approve the plans, said: "What we are doing as a council and what this government is doing is industrialising this whole corridor and I find that very distressing.

"But having read through the NPPF, I can find nothing that would defeat this and particularly if it went to appeal."

Allen Thwaites, representing the Melton Warwick ward, said the council was "tied so far with our hands behind our backs" on debates surrounding solar farms.

"The pressure is increasing to find reasons for refusal," he added. "There doesn't seem to be any chink of light in any door.

"I cannot find anything and we've discussed this endlessly for a reason to say no or either abstain."

Thwaites also raised the issue of "industrialisation" of the eastern side of Melton as applications have been submitted for solar farms in Brentingby and Burton Lazars in recent months.

Margaret Glancy, representing Melton Newport, said the committee had been given a "fait accompli" with the application because of policy framework rules and called the situation "ludicrous".

Ian Atherton, representing Melton Craven, said he was "concerned that this is not the right place" for the solar farm.

"It is with some regret that I am unable to find based on the constraints of the debate tonight and the rulings in the new NPPF, anything substantial that would stand up in court as a reason for rejection.

"I find I have no choice but to support the application."

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