A Berkshire based renewables developer has secured approval for a large scale solar scheme in North Warwickshire following a successful planning appeal.
Enviromena has been granted permission to deliver a proposed 40MW solar farm after a planning inspector overturned an earlier refusal by the borough council. The decision allows the Fillongley Solar Farm project to move forward.
The approval followed consideration of whether the site should be treated as Grey Belt land. This classification applies to areas within the Green Belt that are either previously developed or make a limited contribution to the Green Belt’s primary purposes. The inspector concluded that the designation was appropriate in this case.
Once operational, Fillongley Solar Farm is expected to generate enough clean electricity to supply more than 16,500 homes each year. The project is also forecast to avoid around 10,000 tonnes of COâ‚‚ annually, contributing to wider emissions reduction efforts.
Mark Harding, chief development officer at Enviromena, said: “We welcome the inspector’s clear and decisive ruling.
“The site was recommended for approval by planning officers on two separate occasions, and the appeal outcome reaffirms the strong planning merits of this scheme.
“The prolonged dispute over ‘Grey Belt’ status added unnecessary time and cost for all parties, including the council and its taxpayers.
“We are pleased that the evidence has now been accepted.”
The outcome is expected to have broader implications for other renewable energy proposals where the interpretation and use of Grey Belt land is under review, particularly in the context of national clean energy targets.
Chris Marsh, chief executive of Enviromena, said: “We strongly welcome the inspector’s decision to overturn the refusal.
“The inquiry confirmed what we have maintained from the outset: this is a well-designed, environmentally responsible solar project that will deliver significant local and national benefits.
“At a time when clean power is needed more than ever, this ruling sends an important signal that evidence-based, climate-aligned development must be supported.
“We are eager to bring this project forward and deliver meaningful renewable capacity for the region.”
