Legal challenge launched against controversial 500MW Northamptonshire solar farm approval

A countryside campaign group has taken the first step towards a legal challenge against Government approval of a huge solar farm stretching across Northamptonshire.

CPRE Northamptonshire says it has initiated the pre-action protocol process for a potential judicial review of the decision to approve Green Hill Solar Farm.

The organisation is challenging the consent granted on October 8 for the 500-megawatt development, which would occupy several sites between Northampton and Wellingborough and extend towards Milton Keynes.

It says it is working with MPs Sarah Bool and Stuart Andrew, who have separately written to the two Northamptonshire unitary councils seeking support.

The Government approved the project following a six-month Planning Inspectorate examination, concluding its renewable energy and energy security benefits outweighed the identified environmental harm.

However, CPRE argues the scheme would have unacceptable consequences for productive farmland, rural communities and the landscape.

In evidence submitted during the examination in April, the group claimed approximately 3,000 acres of land currently used for food production would be affected, with 65 per cent of the scheme's land classified as best and most versatile agricultural land.

It also criticised the project's dispersed layout, arguing that separate solar sites would collectively alter the character of a wide area of countryside.

Further objections concerned the proposed battery energy storage facility at Grendon, including potential fire risks, flooding and the proximity of homes and environmentally sensitive sites.

CPRE also questioned the proposed 60-year operating period, arguing that 40 years would better protect future options for agricultural use.

Both West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council previously raised concerns about the 60-year lifespan.

Government inspectors acknowledged that 854.5 hectares of high-quality agricultural land would be unavailable for arable farming during the project's operation, alongside adverse landscape and wildlife impacts.

The scheme includes solar panels, underground cables, battery storage and associated electricity infrastructure, with a connection to the network at Grendon.

CPRE said in its latest statement: "Bad decisions such as this scheme cannot go unchallenged if the balance between renewable energy and food security is to be maintained."

A pre-action protocol letter does not mean a judicial review has been granted or that a court has overturned the approval.

The campaign group has not announced the outcome of its approach to the councils.