Novus Renewable CO. Solar Farm Appeal

Heritage Potential provided expert evidence in a high-profile inquiry for a 49.9 MW solar farm at Ledburn in Buckinghamshire for the client, Novus Renewable Co. The appeal site, spanning 100.75 hectares of agricultural land, lay within an historically significant landscape associated with the Rothschild family since the 19th century. It is situated southeast of Ascott House (Grade II*), its Registered Park and Garden (RPG), and near to Mentmore Towers (Grade I) and its RPG, alongside the Mentmore and Wing Conservation Areas. The main reason for the refusal was the impact on the setting of several designated and non-designated heritage assets.

Dr Emma J. Wells, Director of Heritage, acted as the client's expert witness on heritage. The Inspector agreed with Dr Wells's assessment that, despite the Council relying on designed views between the Rothchilds' estates at Ascott and Mentmore, without additional evidence, we cannot be sure of the intentions of individuals at any one point in time regarding landscape design. The Inspector also agreed that the Council overstated the significance of hunting as an influential factor in assessing the effects of the appeal scheme as to the importance of heritage assets at Ascott House and Mentmore Towers. Finally, he disregarded the cumulative harm assessment that the Council argued for, agreeing with Dr Wells that harm to assets should be assessed on an individual basis.

The Inspector agreed with Dr Wells's assessment of harm for all but one asset. Therefore, despite less-than-substantial harm being found to eight designated and five non-designated assets (out of a total of 22), this was judged to be outweighed by the significant public benefits of renewable energy generation, biodiversity net gain, and economic contribution, and the appeal was allowed.

Our expert witnesses help clients secure successful outcomes in contentious planning and property matters - whether supporting landowners, developers or operators.