Firm loses solar farm battle
DEVELOPMENT WOULD HAVE IMPACTED ON HISTORIC SITE
PLANS for a huge solar farm near Bosworth Battlefield have been rejected by councillors.
The proposal for a 62-hectare solar park on fields at Hangmans Hall Farm, near Sutton Cheney, were refused due to concerns it would spoil views from the battlefield and would have an adverse impact on tourism.
Elgin Energy was hoping to create the 35MW power complex, capable of generating electricity for more than 10,000 homes a year.
It would have been in place for 30 years and would have offset 570,000 carbon tonnes throughout its lifetime.
Historic England and The Battlefields Trust filed objections to the plans, which would have been sited to the south east of the battlefield, before they were considered by the planning committee at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.
Councillor Jonathan Collett, who represents Ambien ward, where the solar farm was proposed to be built, said: “I feel that this construction of one of the largest solar panel sites in the country is inappropriate for our area.
“It’s located in an area that the council is trying to promote for the Inspiring Bosworth project and it should be one of the jewels in our crown.
“Work carried out by English Heritage stated that the registered battlefield and its landscape setting also contain a wider range of other cultural and natural heritage designations, demonstrating that the area is of considerable significance and not just important as the site of the battle. Public consultation clearly shows that the area is highly valued for its unspoilt landscape and its views and, in a region that can be busy and urbanised, this area is a tranquil piece of English countryside that provides a sense of identity and belonging for locals.
“Views are often open and of long distance. This landscape has historic interest associated with its hilltops.”
Coun Collett also pointed out that while the application is outside of the designated battlefield area, research is continuing as to where exactly the battle took place.
Officers had recommended the scheme for refusal prior to the planning meeting.
The scheme was overwhelmingly rejected, with 15 votes to refuse it and one abstention.
Plans were approved in 2018 for Horiba MIRA to build a £26 million driverless vehicle testing track on part of the battlefield.
A proposal was also brought forward in November to build six homes behind The White Swan pub in Stoke Golding, which would have encroached on the battlefield. That scheme has since been withdrawn.
The Battle of Bosworth Field took place on August 22, 1485, and saw Richard III killed in combat, at the hands of the forces of Henry Tudor.
It was the decisive battle in the Wars of the Roses, between the houses of Lancaster and York.
Interest in the battle and the period has been heightened over the past decade by the discovery of King Richard’s remains under a car park in Leicester city centre.