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 focused on a single planning application for the construction of a solar farm on land north-east of Preston Deanery.

Solar Farm Approved at Preston Deanery

The committee approved the construction of a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm on land north-east of Preston Deanery, NN7 2DS. The decision was made in line with the officer's recommendation and was subject to a number of conditions.

The application, for the construction of a solar PV farm, new site access, and associated infrastructure, was presented to the committee. The development, proposed by Grange Farm Partnership, would generate approximately 26.6 megawatts peak (MWp) of direct current (DC) capacity. The solar farm would comprise 48,802 solar PV panels, 10 inverters/power stations, one customer substation, and a distribution network operator (DNO) structure.

During the discussion, concerns were raised by councillors regarding the impact on agricultural land, potential interference with future housing allocations, and the long-term environmental implications of solar technology. Councillor Ronald Firman questioned the decommissioning and restoration of the land after the 40-year operational period, to which officers confirmed that Condition 7 outlines a decommissioning scheme, including removal of panels, traffic management, archaeological management, and recycling of materials. Condition 8 addresses the scenario where the solar farm ceases to export electricity.

Councillor Adrian Cartwright highlighted that the proposal contributes to clean energy and is necessary for climate mitigation, while Councillor Richard Pipes raised concerns about potential interference with land allocated for housing in the new draft West Northamptonshire Local Plan. Case Officer Chris Burton explained that the current application must be determined on its own merits, and future housing applications would be assessed individually.

Eleni Marshall, representing the applicant, provided further details on the geophysical survey, highways matters, and public consultation, noting that feedback from public consultation events had been positive. She also addressed concerns about the site selection, stating that the land classification was similar to other agricultural land in the area and that grid connection and proximity to infrastructure were key considerations.

Councillor Charles Manners described the application as relatively uncontentious compared to others, acknowledging the regret of losing agricultural land but noting it aligns with government policy. He proposed accepting the officer's recommendation to approve the application, which was seconded by Councillor Sally Keeble.

The committee voted to approve the application by seven votes to four, with one abstention. The decision was made subject to various conditions, including those relating to time limits, approved plans, security measures, public rights of way, lighting schemes, decommissioning, archaeological works, heritage management, and biodiversity enhancements. These conditions aim to mitigate potential impacts on the environment, heritage, and local amenity, and ensure the land is restored to its agricultural use after the operational life of the solar farm.