Decision on a Proposed Solar Farm on the outskirts of the town likely to go before a council committee, after a number of objections were received.

Hartlepool Borough Council had initially set a target date of November for the decision on the proposed plans to construct a Solar Farm on the outskirts of Hartlepool, however its now likely to be decided by a committee of councillors after a small number of objections were received,

3rd December 2024

Plans for the construction of a solar farm on the outskirts of Hartlepool look set to be reviewed by the council’s planning committee following a small number of objections received from local residents.

The application, submitted by ENVIROMENA Project Management back in August 2024, sought approval from Hartlepool Borough Council to construct a ground-mounted photovoltaic solar farm and battery storage facility on land at High Barns Farm, Coal Lane, Elwick. The proposal lso included associated infrastructure, engineering works, access, and landscaping.

Originally scheduled for a decision in early November, the application now faces possible delay due to community objections. With least four objections recidivate in regards to the development, just meeting the threshold required to escalate the matter to the council’s planning committee for a decision.

The applicants highlight the developments potential to generate enough renewable energy to power nearly 26,000 homes, offsetting approximately 14,500 tonnes of CO2 annually compared to fossil fuels in the process. The applicants also claim the project will support up to 375 full-time jobs across the supply chain.

However, not everyone's said to be convinced, with a small number of objectors raising concerns about the solar farm’s visual impact, arguing that the large-scale development would disrupt the rural character of the area. Parish councils in the vicinity have also expressed conditional support to the plans, urging developers "address residents' concerns before moving forward".

Two additional objections reiterated these concerns, emphasizing the need for the project to better integrate with its surroundings with some community members suggesting the proposals be amended to reduce its visual footprint.

Council planning officers have classified the application as 'a major application', but the exact timeline for a decision remains unclear. While a December committee date has been speculated, it’s possible the a final decision on the plans could be postponed until the new year.