A public inquiry into a decision to refuse planning permission for a 130-hectare solar farm will begin this week.

The proposal for solar panels on green belt land for up to 35 years between Radlett and Elstree was comprehensively rejected by Hertsmere Borough Council in November 2021.

Councillors overruled a planning officer’s recommendation to approve the plans on the Aldenham Estate after acknowledging widespread opposition from locals.

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Watford Observer: The blue fields are where the solar farm is proposed and is being considered in this appeal. Image: Elstree Green LtdThe blue fields are where the solar farm is proposed and is being considered in this appeal. Image: Elstree Green Ltd (Image: Elstree Green Ltd)

Applicant Elstree Green Ltd subsequently appealed and the latest decision process will formally begin from tomorrow (October 19).

The inquiry is to be carried out by an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The inquiry will be livestreamed on the council’s website via its Webcast platform.

In addition to the appeal, Elstree Green Ltd has submitted an almost identical planning application for the solar farm, minus one of the fields.

The council is yet to make a final decision on the new application, which has drawn 925 objections.

The latest application can be viewed on the planning portal via reference 22/0948/FULEI.

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