Plans to install ground-mounted solar panels and a battery energy storage system covering more than 64 acres of farmland at Lassington in Highnam near Gloucester were approved by borough planners on August 18 despite strong opposition from local residents.
The overall development site spans over 170 acres. The project, proposed by PACE Brigadier Energy Limited, has sparked significant worries within the village due to the presence of other nearby solar farms and proposals.
Charlie Coats, chairman of Hingham Parish Council, highlighted five key reasons his council objected to the plans during a meeting of the Tewkesbury Borough Council planning committee. He noted that the site lies less than 540 yards from a newly completed solar farm at Persh Farm in Maisemore. Additionally, a 146-acre solar farm proposal off Two Mile Lane was submitted earlier this year, and a large-scale 360-acre scheme at Linton Farm is anticipated soon after recent pre-application discussions.
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“Collectively, these projects would cover approximately 675 acres, which equates to about one third of the village’s farmland being used for semi-industrial solar development,” Mr Coats said. He also referenced a decision by Forest of Dean District Council to refuse a similar solar farm at Murrels End Farm, Hartpury, citing an overconcentration of such projects in that area.
The chairman underscored that nearly 80 percent of the proposed site consists of high-quality agricultural land, valued for growing a wide variety of crops. He emphasised the importance of conserving such productive land, especially considering recent droughts and international conflicts that threaten food security.
Concerns were also raised about highway safety, with large construction vehicles expected to use Lassington Lane, a route frequently used by cyclists and walkers. Furthermore, critics argued the project’s scale would overshadow the nearby village, spoil views of the Lassington Valley, and potentially affect the late Saxon St Oswald’s Tower, the historic remnant of the old Lassington parish church.
Landowner Tony Smith spoke in support of the scheme, sharing that he has farmed the land in Lassington all his life, continuing a family tradition. He explained that the solar installation would provide financial security to maintain farming operations.
“This solar development is not about giving up our land; it is about holding onto it,” Mr Smith said. “It offers the next generation the opportunity and certainty to continue farming here, as generations before us have done.”
He added that their beef enterprise would continue outside the solar array, while sheep would graze beneath the solar panels, ensuring agriculture remains a key part of the land’s use.
During the planning committee meeting, Councillor Robert Vines (C, Badgeworth) proposed approving the application, seconded by Councillor Thomas Budge (LD, Cleeve Grange). Coun Vines described the project as “quite appropriate” given the country’s energy needs and energy security concerns. He mentioned the land would still be used for grazing under the solar panels.
However, Councillor Mel Gore (C, Isbourne) expressed opposition, highlighting the project’s negative impact on the landscape which she felt was underestimated despite proposed tree planting. “We really need to listen to the landscape’s objection,” she stated, arguing its importance should have been given greater weight.
The committee narrowly voted to grant planning permission, with three members in favour and two opposed.