LUC recently represented Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council as an expert landscape witness at a Public Hearing. The appeal hearing followed the Council’s refusal of consent for a proposed solar park on land at Hangman’s Hall Farm, Sutton Cheney, Leicestershire.

LUC’s evidence led to Inspector Cullum J Parker dismissing the appeal, concluding that “the proposal would have a significant adverse effect on the character of the countryside and that mitigation measures proposed are insufficient to detract from or mitigate this”. In his planning balance and conclusion, the inspector also found that “the adverse effects of allowing the proposed development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits” that were proposed by the Appellant.

The proposal site sits within a rural landscape immediately east of the Registered Battlefield ‘Battle of Bosworth (Field) 1485’ – known for its tranquillity, historic value and uninterrupted views. LUC demonstrated that the site and its surroundings form a highly valued landscape based on Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (GLVIA3) criteria.

LUC also provided an assessment of the potential effects of the proposed development. We demonstrated that it would cause significant landscape and visual effects that could not be reasonably mitigated, conflicting with several policies within the Borough’s adopted Development Plan.

Solar is an essential source of renewable energy and key to tackling current and future climate change – particularly true when local and national governments have declared a ‘climate emergency’ and moving to a low carbon economy. However, it is important that solar farms/parks are carefully planned and sited in appropriate locations. The landscape character and visual amenity context, and the setting of heritage assets and the contribution this makes to their significance, must be considered.

Learn more about Landscape Planning & Assessment at LUC.