PLANS to construct a solar farm in a rural village near Andover have been refused over concerns about potential glare affecting pilots flying to and from Thruxton Aerodrome.
The rejection by Test Valley Borough Council came after objections from the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) airfield advisory team.
Novus Renewable Services Ltd had proposed the construction of the 22.5MW solar farm at Lains Farm in Cholderton Road, Quarley, with an expected operational lifespan of up to 40 years.
However, the CAA's airfield advisory team argued that the solar farm's presence would pose an unacceptable risk to aviation operations at Thruxton Aerodrome, a small and unlicensed general aviation aerodrome primarily used for flight training.
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Despite the rejection, an airfield advisory team officer informed the borough council's planning committee that there had been no recorded incidents or complaints of glare from pilots at other solar farm locations near aerodromes across the UK.
The proposed site, located in the countryside northeast of Quarley, is adjacent to the A303 dual carriageway and already contains an existing solar farm that partially implements planning permission granted in 2015, with the north portion of the site yet to be developed.
Novus Renewable Services Ltd presented its case before the TVBC's planning committee, with lead planning manager Richard Turner and Malcolm Spaven providing evidence of 27 similar solar farm installations near aerodromes in the UK.
During the committee meeting, CAA's airfield advisory team lead, James Head, answered questions from council members.
Following the presentation and debate, TVBC councillors unanimously decided to reject the application, aligning with the council officers' recommendation.
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Cllr Philip Lashbrook expressed concerns about solar interference, particularly regarding the safety of training pilots.
He said: "I have spoken to some of the pilots undertaking training at Thruxton Aerodrome and they have had considerable concerns over solar interference, particularly with the site of this application.
“There is a very definite concern there. We have got to take safety into consideration. Even if there is a smallest chance that glare from these panels could interfere with the training pilots’ journey, we can’t accept that. Considering that training is the bread and butter of that aerodrome, we cannot support this until the applicant comes back with more evidence that they consulted with Thruxton airfield and they addressed the concerns of training pilots.”
Cllr Carl Borg-Neal echoed these safety concerns and emphasised the potential risks involved in allowing the solar farm without additional information from the applicant.
"I for one certainly don’t want the death of a pilot or trainee on my hands," Cllr Borg-Neal said.
Cllr Jim Neal, who has 39 years of flying experience, said he had never experienced significant glare during his career, suggesting that if such issues were present, there would have already been numerous complaints.
“I think a planning inspector would allow this if the applicant appeals against our decision. I will reluctantly reject this application because of the council’s recommendation and CAA’s objection.”
In response to the council's decision, a Novus Renewable Services representative told the Advertiser that they would appeal the rejection.
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