A 75-hectare solar farm proposal near Scredington may be rejected due to archaeological concerns. Decision pending final consultation.
Council officers object to the plan, as they say the area needs more archaeological research. People have found prehistoric items there; Roman and medieval items were also found.
The site sits near a stone cross’s remains. The cross dates back to the 14th century and likely marked a key boundary.
A speaker for the solar company, named Peter Grubb, addressed the committee. He says the cross is heavily damaged now, just a stump, he noted, adding that they would restore it if they get permission.
Council members worry about the archaeology and wanted trial trenches to reveal artifacts under the ground. Mr. Grubb said they would dig later, stating that digging before approval is disruptive. He called it the “common sense approach.”
Councillor Lindsey Cawrey believes the archaeology is a worry and wants people to respect any artifacts they find. Councillor Linda Edwards-Shea considers the overall impact; other solar farms are planned close to there, and Anglian Water also plans a reservoir. Residents will see major changes, she said, adding that the cross has value for tourism and is more than just a broken stone.
Parish councils raised last-minute objections, and consultation is underway with these folks. The committee voted to let officers decide once consultation wraps up, and the application will likely be rejected then. This was a unanimous decision.