Solar farm near Rushden Lakes approved at appeal
A solar farm on farmland near Rushden Lakes has been approved at appeal, after further investigation was demanded on how the scheme would affect the habitat of protected birds.
North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) failed to issue a decision on time for proposals for a 20-hectare solar development on land to the east of Ditchford Road, between Wellingborough and Irthlingborough.
Applicant Innova Renewables Development Ltd took NNC to appeal over its indecisiveness in November last year.
A decision notice, published by the government’s planning inspectorate this month, stated that the outstanding issue when the appeal was lodged was the effect of the proposal on Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area, which provides resting and feeding areas for more than 20,000 wintering waterbirds.
The appeal site is located within 100 metres of the protection area and has the potential to be ‘functionally linked land’ (FLL), which may be used by species such as lapwing and golden plover and is critical for foraging and roosting. Further wintering bird surveys undertaken at the start of 2026 reaffirmed previous survey results from 2024 and 2025, with no protected birds having been recorded at any point.
The inspector concluded that the site does not represent FLL, with both Natural England and the council’s ecologist confirming they were satisfied with the results.
He also dismissed other representations from interested parties regarding concerns around the visual and landscape impacts of the solar project due to the site’s proximity to the large retail and leisure development at Rushden Lakes and the adjacent sewage works.
Planning permission for the solar site has been granted.
A condition to ensure an environment management plan is in place before construction, so the works do not disturb the nearby designated sites, was applied by the inspector. The site will also be limited to a temporary period of 40-years from the date of the first export of electricity under the permissions.
An accompanying application for costs against NNC over ‘unnecessary expense’ from having to go through the appeals process was denied.