Plans for County Durham solar farm near Burnhope refused by council

The proposal by Lightsource bp for the large-scale site near Burnhope was voted down by Durham County Council’s planning committee after impassioned pleas from residents. 

Councillors supporting local concerns said the size and scale of the proposed solar farm and the loss of landscape influenced their decision. However, the refusal was not unanimous, with some committee members claiming the development was essential to achieving County Durham’s net zero ambitions. 

The authority previously approved the solar farm in March 2023, but after a judicial review legal challenge by Burnhope residents, the permission was quashed by the planning court in February 2024, ruling the scheme “unlawful”. 

A map of the proposed solar farm near Burnhope, County Durham (Image: Lightsource bp)

Lightsource bp resubmitted its application for the 227-acre site last year and said it had improved landscaping to minimise visual impacts. Up to 14 fields near the County Durham village were set to be overlaid with panels, including areas near the Chapman’s Well nature reserve. 

However, campaigners argued the 110,640 panels would dwarf Burnhope. A total of 603 objections and 68 letters of support were submitted since the proposal was first lodged. The meeting was shown videos of locals gathering on the land to protest against the development, with placards saying: “Don’t blight Burnhope”. 

Objectors argued that the proposal would result in the industrialisation of the countryside, altering the rural character of the village and surrounding areas. There were also concerns about potential damage to Chapman’s Well Nature Reserve, which is a key ecological site. 

Councillor David Boyes said the recreational land, used daily by locals, should be savoured. He added: “This is going to double the size of Burnhope. I cannot support this scheme at all.”

Anita Savory, county councillor for Weardale, added: “I cannot support this application because of the size and impact on the area, and most importantly, the impact on the community. 

Their concerns were supported by North Durham Labour MP Luke Akehurst and local parish councils. 

Landowners said the proposed site is unsuitable for growing crops or keeping livestock and Lightsource bp’s scheme would deliver energy to around 14,000 homes and provide £500,000 in community benefits.

Will Gray, landowner, said: “Diversifying our income streams through the development of a solar farm is a crucial step in achieving this goal, and should ensure our farm business, which employs 35 people, remains viable. 

“By embracing this renewable energy opportunity, I’m sure we can create a collective success for all. Farming has become more difficult on this land. The impact of the solar farm on our local footpaths has been a significant talking point. To be clear, our local footpaths will be improved, not degraded.”

Lightsource bp added that the solar farm would have “a significant positive impact on the surrounding area, both environmentally and economically”. 

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Supporting the proposal, Councillor Simon Wilson said: “I appreciate the initial harm, but over time, this will be mitigated with screening. I am conscious of the appeals we have had, and this was prior to a new steer from the government toward approving net zero supportive developments. 

“If this was to bring bills down and to ensure energy security, then that would be something I would be happy to move towards. On balance, what we are doing is providing a firm footing towards a better climate and energy security for this country.”

Lightsource bp is expected to appeal the committee’s decision to refuse the application.