Two greenfield Solar Farm Planning Applications

Two greenfield Solar Farm Planning Applications in East Dorset are open for comment until 18th August 2023

The Solar Farm Planning Applications for North Farm Horton (P/FUL/2023/02829  on 75 acres) and Woodlands Manor Farm (P/FUL/2023/03415  on 150 acres) are open for comment until 18th August 2023. They were featured in our March e-newsletter, they cover 225 acres within open sight of the nearby Grade II *Listed Horton Tower, which is a famous Georgian folly. The Cranborne Chase AONB adjoins the proposed sites.

Dorset CPRE Trustees recently approved match funding requests from the local action group to pay for Landscape Objection Statements (see links below). They and Dorset CPRE are objecting on grounds of harm to protected landscapes, heritage assets and amenity, as well as use of best and most versatile agricultural land which should be used for food production. There will also be adverse cumulative effect.

In a recent article for the Stour and Avon Magazine, Rupert Hardy, chair of North Dorset CPRE, said: “Rooftop solar is the way forward, rather than industrializing and desecrating our beautiful countryside.”

A major new CPRE report has found that over half the solar panels needed to hit national net zero targets could be fitted on rooftops and in car parks. Read the Rooftop Revolution report.

On 2nd August 2023, Knowlton Parish Council voted unanimously to object to the Woodlands Solar Farm. Rupert Hardy attended and spoke at the meeting.

Please read the Landscape Objection Statements:

Woodlands Manor Farm Landscape Statement on proposed Solar Farm July 2023

North Farm Horton Landscape Objection Statement on proposed Solar Farm July 2023