Rock legend set to find out result of fight to stop solar farm in West Sussex village
Rock legend Mike Rutherford and his neighbours will soon find out if their fight to stop a huge solar farm from being built on land in a West Sussex village has been successful.
Energy firm Renewable Connections Developments want to build the ‘industrial scale’ solar farm near the musician’s home on 61 acres of farmland east of the B2133 at Wisborough Green.
The application will be put to a meeting of Chichester District Council’s planning committee on December 3, where officers have recommended it for approval.
The council has received 174 objections to the plans, with the proposals described as ‘a further blight on the West Sussex landscape’.
Objections have also been received from the parish councils of Wisborough Green, Loxwood, Kirdford, and Plaistow & Ifold.
Mr Rutherford – co-founder, lead guitarist and bassist of the rock band Genesis and Mike and the Mechanics – posted a video on YouTube outlining his opposition.
In the video he explains that, while in favour of green energy, the chosen location for the solar farm ‘is so wrong.’
He and his family have lived in the area for 44 years. He expressed concern over the effect on local wildlife, ancient woodland and large volumes of heavy lorries on ‘a beautiful spot. during the construction of the solar farm.
If the application is approved, the solar farm will be in five zones, covering six fields.
Renewable Connections said it would generate enough renewable energy to power up to 6,300 homes and save up to 3,492 tonnes of CO2 each year.
A statement submitted with the application added: “The solar farm would be expected to operate for up to 40 years at the end of which it would be decommissioned safely. Any elements of hard-standing would be broken up and recycled, as would the panels and other infrastructure, where practicable.
“The land would then be restored to its current condition.”
To view the application, log on to publicaccess.chichester.gov.uk and search for 25/00658/FUL.
The meeting will be held in the Committee Rooms at East Pallant House. Members of the public are welcome to attend.