North Yorkshire Council has refused planning permission for a solar farm and battery storage system on tenanted farmland in Old Malton, North Yorkshire.
The solar farm, had it been permitted, would have been built on 44.52ha of land currently farmed under a tenancy agreement by the Sturdy family, whose campaign ‘Save Old Malton Countryside’ had garnered national media attention.
The family welcomed today’s decision to refuse the planning application on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Today is a good day for [tenant farmers] as the [council] overwhelmingly refused the solar application on our farm. The application was recommended approval but the committee fully recognised the impact this development would have on our livelihood,” they said.
The news has also been welcomed by the Tenant Farmers’ Association (TFA), which last week called for the Prime Minister to get involved and reject the proposal.
“I am hugely delighted for Rob and Emma Sturdy who have fought a long-running battle against this inappropriate solar farm application,” TFA chief executive George Dunn said.
“The TFA has been pleased to have stood with them in their fight.
“It is good that the planning committee understood its responsibility to consider the impact on the personal circumstances of Rob and Emma as tenants of the site and also in respect of the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land.
“I am greatly appreciative of the due diligence of the planning committee even though its planning officer recommended approval of the application,” he added.
“We will wait to see if the developer decides to appeal this decision, but it sends a really crucial message to all other developers that they cannot treat tenant farmers as merely collateral damage.”
However, Harmony Energy, which submitted the planning application for the solar farm and battery energy storage system earlier this year, said it is “disappointed” at today’s outcome.
“We are disappointed by the decision made today, as renewable energy is critical in creating a sustainable future for everyone, ensuring the future security of the UK’s energy supply, whilst helping to meet global targets to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change,” it said.
“Unfortunately, despite our strong track record in the renewable energy industry, our transparency and cooperation with the public, and our careful planning and preparation, we will now have to revisit our plans and carefully consider our next steps.
“We are disappointed, but that will not stop us from pushing for a more sustainable and greener future.”
