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Nov 2023
Developer wins appeal over Nidderdale solar panels 'visual harm' claim
The government has approved plans for the installation of 30 solar panels at a farm in Nidderdale despite “visual harm” concerns.
John Adams submitted the proposal for Gillbeck Farm on Peat Lane at Bewerley to Harrogate Borough Council in September 2022.
It would see 30 panels installed in order to “maximise the use of renewable energy sources”.
However, the authority rejected the proposal on the grounds that it would cause “visual harm and have a negative impact on the landscape and the character of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”.
It added:
Mr Adams, who owns the farm, took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning appeals.
He argued that the land would not be not visible to passers by and that Peat Lane was “infrequently” used by cars, walkers and cyclists.
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Now, Elaine Gray, a government planning inspector, has approved the plan.
In a decision notice, she said the “substantial benefits” of renewable energy would outweigh the limited harm caused to the the character of the area.
Ms Gray said:
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