Solar Plant Appeal

SOLAR ENERGY “FARM” APPEAL AND NEW APPLICATION

There have been major developments relating to the proposals to build a massive Solar Energy Generating Plant covering 323 acres of Green Belt agricultural land at both Slades Farm and at Hilfield Farm between Letchmore Heath, Radlett and Elstree. Both farms are owned by the Aldenham Estates who also own Elstree Aerodrome and Hill Farm in Elstree.

The original application was made by a new company called Elstree Green Limited in January 2021. This attracted a record number of objections as over 1,400 Hertsmere residents sent their comments. Hertsmere’s Planning Committee unanimously rejected the application in November 2021.

Elstree Green Limited have now submitted an Appeal against that rejection which will be the subject of a Public Hearing in Radlett in October this year which is expected to last for 8 days. The reference is APP/N1920/W/22/3295268 and you can see details at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/planning-inspectorate

Both Hertsmere Borough Council and Aldenham Parish Council will be opposing the Appeal and have appointed their own legal teams. Local groups including the Radlett Society and the Letchmore Heath Village Trust have come together as a “Combined Objectors” group to also oppose this Appeal. 

This is going to be a costly process as the developers have hired top barristers to argue their case. An initial estimate is that the costs for the Combined Objectors Group will be at least £75,000. For this reason, we are launching a fund-raising campaign to help us ensure we can fight this Appeal properly as it is clear the future of our Green Belt countryside is at stake. If you have not already received a leaflet, you will do so shortly. In addition you will see posters and banners relating to this campaign.

To make matters worse, Elstree Green Limited also submitted a new application on 31 May 2022 for a Solar Energy “Farm” which is essentially the same as the original bar a few minor modifications.

We need your help and that of anyone you know:

Please consider making a donation towards the legal costs of the Appeal:

Pay to “Radlett Society and Green Belt Association” account at The Co-operative Bank with Reference “Solar Appeal”

Sort code 08 92 99
Account no 67202812

Or by cheque to “Radlett Society and Green Belt Association” with reference “Solar Appeal” and post to:

RSGBA
c/o 12 Oakridge Avenue
Radlett
Herts
WD7 8EP
 

Please also send your objections to the new application to Hertsmere:

The Application reference is 22/0948/FULEI and comments must be received by 14 July 2022

Send to: [email protected]

or by post to: 
Planning Department, Hertsmere Borough Council, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 1WA

Here is a link to a copy of the RSGBA’s objection to the original appeal.  RSGBA objection letter to Planning Appeal Chairman 03-06-22

Thank you

The Radlett Society and Green Belt Association