Enviromena has secured approval for its 40MW Fillongley Solar Farm after a Planning Inspector overturned North Warwickshire Borough Council’s refusal.
The company said the project will generate enough electricity to power more than 16,500 homes each year and avoid around 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
It added that the inquiry focused on whether the land should be treated as Grey Belt, with the Inspector confirming this position after what Enviromena described as an avoidable and costly process.
Mark Harding, chief development officer at Enviromena, said: “We welcome the Inspector’s clear and decisive ruling. The site was recommended for approval by planning officers on two separate occasions, and the appeal outcome reaffirms the strong planning merits of this scheme.”
“The prolonged dispute over ‘Grey Belt’ status added unnecessary time and cost for all parties, including the council and its taxpayers,” he added.
The appeal also reviewed objections from Fillongley Parish Council, which redirected community funds to oppose the plan.
Chris Marsh, chief executive of Enviromena, commented: “We strongly welcome the Inspector’s decision to overturn the refusal. The inquiry confirmed what we have maintained from the outset: this is a well-designed, environmentally responsible solar project that will deliver significant local and national benefits.”
“At a time when clean power is needed more than ever, this ruling sends an important signal that evidence-based, climate-aligned development must be supported,” he said.
Enviromena stated that the project will contribute to the UK’s aim to reach at least 45GW of operational solar capacity by 2030.