Residents vow to fight plans for solar farm at Wandon End near Luton Airport

Residents have vowed to fight plans for a 106 hectare solar farm on Green Belt land at Wandon End near Luton.

A planning application was submitted by Evolution Power to develop the land close to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) between Breachwood Green, Darley Hall and Tea Green, on January 5.

The proposals are to be considered by Luton Borough Council and North Herts District Council.

The Wandon End Solar Project is expected to generate sufficient renewable energy to supply approximately 14,500 homes and displace around 11,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide CO2 emissions each year.

But residents say the development will be ‘blight on the landscape’ and are objecting on the following grounds:

> Any inappropriate development should not be approved except in very special circumstances

> The land is currently enjoyed by the local community for walking and wildlife spotting

> Residents are concerned about the impact on the biodiversity of the area

> The land is a prime agricultural resource

> Residents’ concern over evidence that questions the efficiency of solar power as a source of renewable energy.

Tony Cross, spokesman for ‘Residents against Wandon End Solar’, said: “We’re determined as a community to fight these plans which will be a blight on our landscape and will not add an discernable value to the villages and residents of Breachwood Green, Darley Hall and Tea Green.

"We are working as a community to lodge our objections, which are based on guidance laid out in national planning policy and underpinned by legal precedent.

“To ensure everyone in the community has a chance to have their say, we’re hosting drop-in sessions at Breachwood Green Village Hall Saturday, February 11, from 11am-2pm and Monday, February 13, from 4pm-6pm. We will be there to support people with their objections and if they need any IT support or advice.”

Objections to the proposal need to be registered before February 24 via the following link

Alternatively, email [email protected] quoting the planning reference 22/03231/FP

> Evolution Power, is a UK based independent solar developer. Directror Conor McNally, said: “To combat the effects of climate change and tackle the Climate Emergency, the UK has to develop much more renewable capacity. Wandon End Solar will generate subsidy-free electricity, without public financial support and, as solar is the cheapest form of electricity generation worldwide, it will also help to reduce national power prices and provide domestic renewable generation, reducing our reliance on energy imports and fossil fuels.

“We held a public consultation during the summer, including two local community events. As a result of this consultation significant revisions were made to the design, in particular to remove fields close to Mill Way to reduce the visual impact. In addition to a £15,000 per annum inflation linked community benefit fund for the 40 years of the project we will also offer to install rooftop solar to properties that are identified as being directly impacted by the development at zero cost.”