05/10/2026
It beggars belief. Despite strong evidence as to why this development should not go ahead, the Inspecter has approved it!!
Summary
The Planning Inspector has today allowed the appeal for the Epney/Wheatenhurst solar farm, overturning Stroud District Council’s unanimous refusal. Permission is subject to 22 conditions.
The Inspector accepted that the grid connection compound would cause significant visual harm, but decided that the renewable energy and other benefits outweighed the harm. The proposed 28-metre connection mast has been removed from the scheme.
Of particular importance locally:
• Parkend Bridge’s 25-tonne limit must be respected, including the vehicle, fuel, driver and load. Vehicles must be weighed before crossing, with records kept. Any transformer, crane or other equipment that cannot comply must not cross the bridge.
• A detailed construction traffic plan must be approved before work starts, including arrangements to prevent two large vehicles meeting on Castle Lane or Parkend Bridge, protect footpaths and repair damage caused by construction traffic.
• The site is acknowledged to be functional floodplain. The Inspector accepted that the scheme would shut down during flooding, despite national policy saying essential infrastructure should remain operational. He gave that conflict little weight.
• Biodiversity, drainage, landscaping and construction safeguards require further approval. Construction hours are limited to 8am–6pm weekdays and 8am–1pm Saturdays, with no work on Sundays or bank holidays.
• The developer must provide arrangements for liaison with residents and the parish council, including handling complaints.
