Plans to build a solar farm on a field just outside Northampton have been approved for a ‘temporary’ period of 40 years.

The 78-acre site, near the village of Preston Deanery and just south of the Brackmills Industrial estate, is anticipated to contain 48,802 panels, enough to generate approximately 26.597 megawatts of electricity.

The applicant, Grange Farm Partnership, took the plans for final approval to West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) strategic planning committee at a meeting on Tuesday, July 14.

Councillors at the meeting raised concerns about the “temporary” nature of the project, which has a condition stating its use as a solar site will automatically expire after 40 years, and the loss of agricultural land for food production during this time.

The parcel of farmland, near Brackmills, could be fitted with nearly 50,000 solar panels if approved. Credit: Google Maps

placeholder image — The parcel of farmland, near Brackmills, could be fitted with nearly 50,000 solar panels if approved. Credit: Google Maps

Eleni Marshall, the developer’s agent, told the committee that she appreciated “40 years is a long time, but it’s not permanent in the context of something which is bricks, mortar, tarmac etcetera which will never come up”.

Cllr Richard Pipes also asked why the solar panels were being put on greenfield land instead of being installed on the rooftops of warehouse buildings and car parks, such as those at the nearby Brackmills industrial estate.

Ms Marshall said there was always going to be a brownfield first approach to applications, but that other sites also need to come to help meet the government’s renewable energy objectives. Councillors were also reminded by their legal representative at the meeting that they are only allowed to judge the application before them, which does not include the industrial estate.

The report, written by WNC planning officers, recommended the scheme for approval. They concluded that the localised visual harm and loss of agricultural land did not outweigh the “substantial public benefits” arising from the generation of renewable energy and the contribution to national net zero objectives.

Councillors approved the application by seven votes to one, with five members abstaining.