Green light for Westmill Quarry solar farm

Hertfordshire County Council has approved plans for a solar farm at Westmill Quarry, providing the county with 7.3 Megawatts of energy.

Following extensive deliberation and assessment, the application from Biffa and CEMEX, will see a solar array granted temporary planning permission for a 25-year period. The solar farm, along with its supporting infrastructure, will be strategically positioned within the quarry complex, utilising a 10.5-hectare area of the restored landfill site just off the A10 near Ware.

Key features of the approved solar farm include:

• Installation of a 7.3MW solar array, producing clean energy for distribution in the local electricity network.
• Utilisation of natural timber and galvanised steel wire mesh for deer fencing, ensuring minimal visual impact while safeguarding local wildlife.
• Implementation of landscaping and biodiversity enhancements, including hedgerows and tree planting, to integrate the solar array seamlessly into the surrounding environment.
• Commitment to a temporary development with a 25-year lifespan, followed by the removal and reinstatement of the land to its approved restoration scheme.

Cllr Terry Hone, Chairman, Development Control Committee at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "The reuse of landfill sites for solar panels is an opportunity to further improve our sustainability credentials.

"When we had our site visit and at the Development Control meeting, the committee members took the opportunity to challenge officers and the applicant around a number of concerns, including the protection of walkers’ footpath through the solar farm, wildlife concerns, fencing to protect deer and other planned and future landscaping enhancements.

"The Development Control committee unanimously approved the officer recommendation to approve the application.”