Public inquiry will decide if solar farm is built

A public inquiry is set to take place following the rejection of plans for a solar farm.

The proposed facility, which would span 145 acres (59 hectares) near the A14 by Thrapston, Northamptonshire, was designed to generate enough power for up to 15,000 homes, according to applicant Wood Lodge Solar Project.

North Northamptonshire Council turned down the plans in October 2024, citing concerns over the landscape impact and habitat loss in the Upper Nene Valley.

The Planning Inspectorate will now hold an inquiry on 20 May, with the local authority required to defend its decision or have it overturned.

Planning officers had advised the council to approve the project, arguing the renewable energy benefits outweighed potential harms.

However, the committee ultimately voted against the proposal after hearing from residents and campaign groups who claimed the solar farm would dominate the countryside and consume valuable farmland.

Wood Lodge Solar Project maintained that the development was "urgent" for transitioning to renewable energy, estimating it would save 21,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands a decision date is yet to be confirmed, with public representations due early next month.

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