The Member of Parliament for Hertsmere has questioned whether plans for a huge solar farm are "appropriate" ahead of a key decision meeting.
Tomorrow evening (November 11), Hertsmere Borough Council's planning committee will meet to discuss a proposal for a solar farm between Radlett and Elstree for up to 35 years.
The scheme has drawn nearly 2,000 objections - the most in the council's history - but it has been recommended by the council for approval.
Campaigners are concerned about the impact the solar panels will have on the green belt and in a statement published 48 hours ahead of the meeting, Hertsmere's Conservative MP Oliver Dowden appeared to echo the concerns.
He said: "As many of you know I have been taking a close interest in the application to develop a solar farm on the land to the north east and west of Elstree Aerodrome.
"I have been engaging with residents, local councillors, and Hertsmere Borough Council throughout this period. Having considered it in detail, I remain very concerned that the size and scale of this application will have a disproportionate impact on our green open spaces.
"This is properly a matter for the planning committee, not the Member of Parliament, and I appreciate the wider considerations which the committee must deliberate, including the need to address the climate emergency.
"But I do think it is important that they consider whether this scale of development is appropriate for our local community. I am not convinced that it is, and have shared this view with local councillors."
Applicants Enso say the Hilfield Solar Farm will increase the total amount of renewable energy generated, with the land on the Aldenham Estate chosen because of its proximity to a National Grid substation.
Council papers say the farm would generate up to 49.9 megawatts of renewable electricity per year, providing the equivalent annual electrical needs of approximately 16,000 family homes, although these homes would not necessarily be in Hertsmere.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel