Solar Farm Project Approved Despite Flood Risk Concerns

Melton Borough Council has granted approval for a new solar farm, spanning approximately 40 acres of fields, despite apprehensions regarding its potential to exacerbate flooding. Noventum Power secured permission from the council to construct the installation off Leicester Road, situated near Twyford in Leicestershire. During a planning committee session, members were informed of villagers’ worries that the proposed solar farm might worsen existing flooding issues, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Nevertheless, councillors ultimately cast votes in favor of granting planning permission for the farm, which is slated to operate for a duration of 40 years. Edward Argar, the local Member of Parliament, had voiced opposition to the project, citing his own concerns regarding flood risk, the effects of construction-related traffic, and the conversion of agricultural land. The Twyford and Thorpe Parish Council also formally objected to the proposition, referencing similar anxieties, as reported by the LDRS. Ward councillor Leigh Higgins appealed to the planning committee members to deny the scheme, asserting that Twyford residents were being “let down” concerning the matter of flooding. Furthermore, a petition opposing the plan garnered approximately 160 signatures, the LDRS further noted. Conversely, council leader Pip Allnatt declared that this specific application “will not affect the general flooding problem in Twyford.” A document presented to the councillors indicated that the proposed site carried a “low risk of flooding” and a “low risk of surface water flooding,” according to the LDRS. Councillor Don Pritchett expressed his disinclination to observe additional solar farms in the vicinity, while fellow councillor Ronan Browne proposed that the vote be postponed to allow planning officers to furnish further details regarding the concerns that had been articulated. This particular suggestion, however, was not accepted. Chris Atkinson, representing Noventum Power, stated that the initiative would generate “enough energy to power almost 4,000 homes.” He further commented: “This issue is particularly prescient as gas prices have been at an all-time high due to our reliance on imported energy, leading to an increase in energy bills.” Atkinson concluded by saying: “The development of solar farms such as this will help to increase our energy independence.” The agreement stipulates that the land must be restored to its original condition after 40 years, with all installed equipment removed.