The Isle of Wight Council has apologised to those behind plans for a new solar farm near Wootton after the local authority’s mistakes saw approved planning permission quashed.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Sunny Oaks Renewable Energy Park Limited’s proposal for a new solar farm comprises of a collection of ground-mounted solar panels and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). on land to the North West of Whiterails Road/West of Park Road, and land to the South East of Whiterails Road/West of Briddlesford Road.
Planning permission as granted in April 2024 but that decision became subject to a judicial review.
Now, it has emerged that upon reviewing the challenge, the Local Planning Authority – the Isle of Wight Council – acknowledged that it should have provided the Planning Committee with additional information on fire safety to properly inform their decision. Consequently, the Coucnil agreed to quash the planning permission.
Now, the application has been resubmitted and is out for consultation with the necessary additional information. After the consultation period ends, the Planning Committee will reconsider the application with all relevant material considerations.
A spokesperson for the local authority has said:
“The Isle of Wight Council apologises to the applicant and interested parties for any inconvenience caused.
“The Council confirms that any previously submitted comments on the application will still be considered, so there is no need to resubmit them”.
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The public consultation on the revised proposal finishes on 29th November and a statutory decision is expected on 3rd January.
IW Council couldn’t organise a p*ss up in a
Brewery.
Nor switch a light bulb on apparently.
Seems like Wootton Against Renewable Energy (WARE) already had someone on the inside in the council.