The Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 and approved a proposal for a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm. The meeting, which was confirmed to have been held, focused on a single planning application.

Solar Farm Approved at Preston Deanery

The committee approved the construction of a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm on land north-east of Preston Deanery, The Green, NN7 2DS. The application, submitted by Grange Farm Partnership and handled by Eldnar Ltd, was approved in line with the officer's recommendation, subject to conditions.

The proposed development involves the construction of a solar PV farm covering approximately 31.65 hectares, generating around 26.597 megawatts peak (MWp) of direct current capacity. The project includes the installation of 48,802 solar panels, 10 inverters/power stations, a substation, internal tracks, CCTV, and 1.8m high perimeter security fencing.

Officers assessed the proposal against national and local planning policies, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Local Plan (LPP1) and South Northamptonshire Local Plan (LPP2). Key considerations included the principle of development, loss of agricultural land, design and impact on the character of the area, heritage impact, archaeology, ecology and biodiversity, highways, and flood risk.

While the development would result in the temporary loss of approximately 30 hectares of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land, Natural England raised no objection, noting the temporary nature of the development and the potential for restoration. The Council's Landscape Officer also raised no objection, concluding that the site could be accommodated within the existing landscape with proposed mitigation measures, including additional native hedgerow and tree planting.

Concerns regarding visual impact, particularly for users of Public Right of Way KV19 which runs through the site, were acknowledged. However, officers determined that the visual effects would be localised and temporary, with mitigation measures in place to soften views over time. The development was also assessed for its impact on heritage assets and archaeology, with no adverse effects identified on designated heritage assets. Archaeological evaluations indicated potential remains, and conditions were imposed to secure their investigation and recording.

Ecological surveys confirmed that the site does not comprise Functionally Linked Land associated with the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area, and therefore, an Appropriate Assessment was not required. The proposal was found to deliver a significant biodiversity net gain, exceeding the statutory requirement. Highway safety was addressed through a revised Construction Traffic Management Plan, and flood risk was managed through a surface water drainage strategy incorporating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

The committee granted permission, attaching numerous conditions to ensure appropriate management of construction, environmental protection, archaeological mitigation, biodiversity enhancement, and site restoration upon decommissioning. These conditions aim to ensure the development aligns with national and local planning objectives, including contributing to renewable energy targets and achieving biodiversity net gain.