Decision due on major Leicestershire M1 solar farm amid 'devastating' impact fears

A planned new major solar farm by the M1 in Leicestershire is set to be decided next week. The eco-proposal for land next to the Donington Park service station at Junction 23a of the M1, has incurred backlash from both residents and environmental officers since it first emerged.

Those living near the site have said it would have a “devastating” impact on their lives as it would be built on a green space described by one objector as “the only circular walk in the area” for residents. Others have claimed the land was “essential” to their daily lives, saying it provided “solace and tranquillity” from modern life. Some 30 objections have been lodged against the plans from members of the local community.

Leicestershire County Council environmental officers have also weighed in against the scheme, despite its eco-credentials. They believe the low height of the proposed solar panels would make it “unlikely” that “sufficient light” would reach the grass and plants below them, resulting in “bare ground”, something county officers branded a “significant harm” to the natural environment.

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However, planning officers at North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) feel the overall positive impact of the project is greater than any potential damage it could cause. While they accepted the county council’s concerns were valid, they said this would be “significantly outweighed” by the substantial benefits” of a new renewable energy scheme.

NWLDC added the plans do include a number of environmental improvements on the site. These would include hedge planting, work to improve the ponds onsite, bat and bird boxes and a potential bee apiary, they said.

There would also be possible economic benefits locally if the new solar farm were to proceed, officers ruled. These include new jobs being created, and the potential for reduced energy prices for customers using the electric vehicle charging points at the service stations, to which any energy produced would be directed.

Regarding to residents’ concerns over the loss of a valued walking route, officers said the site is private land and, while members of the public have “been afforded the right to pass through” historically, this has “always been at the discretion of the land owner”. Additionally, an “informal public footpath” is intended to be kept on the western side of the site, they added.

Residents had proposed that the solar panels be set up in the car park of the service station, standing over the parking bays, with cars able to park beneath them. However, officers ruled that solar farm could not be located anywhere but on the proposed site.

NWLDC said it needed to be next to the service station as the energy created was intended to go straight to the charging points there. Additionally, the car park itself is already struggling to meet demand, with an increase in parking spaces needed.

“Car port” solar panels come with “bulky” frames, the officers’ report said. If this option was taken forward, it would “significantly reduce” parking capability.

Ultimately, members of NWLDC planning committee will meet next week to debate the plan and to decide whether to approve or reject the application. If approved 12,544 solar panels would be mounted in the field in 16 rows.