Approval for new solar farm granted

Wigan Council approved proposals for a 30-acre renewable energy site at Cleworth Hall Farm in Tyldesley.

The solar farm is located on green belt land owned by Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) and developers have said it will create enough energy to power the equivalent of 1,500 homes.

Award-winning independent solar farm developer Solstice Renewables convinced Wigan Council’s planners to back its bid with help from chartered surveyor and property consultancy Sanderson Weatherall.

The developers worked with Greater Manchester Ecology Unit to demonstrate the new scheme would not have an impact on the endangered great crested news which is found on the site.

Solstice Renewables director Giovanni Maruca said: “In the last two years, planning approval for solar farms has become increasingly difficult due to a change in political climate.

“Sanderson Weatherall was exceptional at working with a challenging and complex case and ensuring we got a positive result that will be beneficial for the local community and the Wildlife Trust.”

Developers also organised briefings for councillors to drum up support for the site.

Owen Pike from Sanderson Weatherall said: “The granting of permission to develop the solar farm is especially positive given the policy and political climate has strengthened against renewable energy development. I’m delighted we were able to assist Solstice Renewables.”