UK renewable energy developer RES has had planning permission turned down by Newark and Sherwood District Council for the 5MW Rufford solar scheme north of Rainworth in Nottinghamshire.
The company said that during public consultation in late 2014 on the project, which would have been located on the site of the former Rufford Colliery, 81% of respondents registered their support for the proposed solar farm.
RES project manager for the Rufford solar farm Eliot Davies said: “There are no winners as a result of this disappointing decision by the planning committee.
“All the investigations we undertook to support the planning application demonstrate that Rufford solar farm is an excellent site for a solar farm and that any impacts on the local environment could be mitigated effectively.
“Indeed, contrary to the representations made by the Wildlife Trust and RSPB, Rufford solar farm would improve the habitat on site through long term protection of the surrounding area.
“It is particularly disappointing that the planning committee appears to have ignored these longer term benefits – and the clear and very substantial level of support for the project; from members of the local community as well as the host and neighbouring parish councils.”
Image: Morgue File
