Plans for a solar power plant the size of 179 football fields have been blocked by the government.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Enso Energy has submitted proposals to combine two sites between Watford and Borehamwood in Hertfordshire.
Lee Rowley, Minister for Planning, on behalf of the Level Up Secretary; michael goveruled that there were “no very special circumstances” to justify the project in a green belt outside London.
He added that it could also have a negative impact on the landscape, including nearby Hillfield Castle, which was built in the late 1700s.
Enso Energy has sought permission to build solar panels, battery storage and underground cables, enough to contribute 49.9 megawatts to the National Grid. The company says this will cover the electricity needs of 15,600 households.
The scheme spanned two sites between the M1 and A41 near Elstree Airfield and the A5183 Watling Street near Radlett.
A letter from the Department of Housing and Community Leveling (Dluhc) emphasizes the importance of green energy, but says the development does not outweigh the potential damage to the area.
The document states: “The Secretary of State will place considerable emphasis on harm to collective green areas, including inappropriate development, harm to spatial and visual openness, and harm to the purpose of green areas. “I believe that this should be done.''
It added that Mr Gove had judged the “impact of the proposals to be unacceptable”.
Hertsmere Borough Council had previously considered the application and refused planning permission in 2021, citing the risk of negative impact on green belt areas and nearby heritage.
The agency has yet to rule on a similar application in that system for a similar-sized solar power and battery storage project on the same site.
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