A proposal has been resubmitted for the construction of a mega solar farm in North Hertfordshire.
Under the plans, land in St Ippolyts will be used, opposite Wymondley grid station and to the south of Sperberry Hill.
In an ongoing saga known as the "2023 Scheme", planning permission for the 35.5 hectare solar powered site has been sought twice before.
Once in February, 2022 and later in November 2023, when North Herts Council refused the proposal with an officer acknowledging the decision was "finely balanced" either way.
In 2024, applicants Axis returned with a screening opinion application submitted in July for the solar farm and the developers have returned for formal planning permission.
Key changes include a 9% reduction in the amount of land covered by panels - while maintaining the same output - and the removal of infrastructure to accommodate for new woodland planting and grassland.
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If built, the solar array is predicted to export up to "25 MW of renewable electricity" to the National Grid during peak operation.
Photvoltaic solar panels and associate support frames will be constructed alongside four transformers stations, eight battery storage containers and multiple buildings to control the site.
4.5km of deer/stock fencing will also be erected in addition to 29, 3m high CCTV cameras.
Further additions to the 2024 plans include woodland planting and grassland to "mitigate impacts" on wider landscape and openness with further increases to biodiversity net gain.
A statement from the developers said: "If NHDC is serious about their commitment to tackling a climate emergency, action is required now, and greater renewable energy generation must be delivered as a priority."
Thus far, there has been four public objections since the opening of the consultation period.
Generally, comments highlight the destruction of valuable "green belt" land.
One comment read: "My objections are based on preserving valuable agricultural land, Green Belt protection, environmental impacts, lack of 'Very Special Circumstances' for Green Belt development, and the site's archaeological importance."
To view the full planning application search 24/02455/FP on North Herts Council's planning portal.
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