On behalf of the Secretary of State, Rep. Matthew Pennycook, Minister of Housing Planning, granted MP Angela Rayner the appeal of Harmony Energy at the solar and battery storage site at Eden Farm, Old Malton.
Harmony Energy appealed last October by North Yorkshire Councillors to dismiss the proposed clean energy scheme.
While members of the Planning Committee supported efforts to increase the region's renewable energy scheme, they remained unconvinced by an unsubscribed site on land owned by Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation of Eden Farm, and were the only alternative locations.
The plan was also opposed by Robert and Emma Stardy, who live on a 280-acre farm that launched a campaign to “Save Our Old Malton Countryside” following the announcement of the proposal.
The couple said:
“Our efforts to combat this application are mammoths and have had a notable contribution from our professional advisor team, but that wasn't the case.
“During the public investigation, we proposed a strong case to the inspector. We couldn't do any more. We would have fought with integrity, tenacity and a strong moral compass that seeks to protect the characteristics of this part of North Yorkshire. Today we can hold our heads high.
“In approving the scheme, the Secretary of State supported renewable energy against the “irreversible disadvantage” of existing successful agricultural businesses, and in full knowledge that development “is not fully compliant with local policies.”
“However, our efforts were not completely wasted. The inspector agreed that the impact on us is “significant and exceptional when compared to other schemes, and the harm to our business brings a considerable amount of comprehensive weight to granting permission to appeal.”
“In very simple terms, this labour government does not support hardworking farmers or family businesses, and the desire to net zero to zero nationwide and locally destroys businesses like ours. The outlook for other tenant farmers has managed to oppose solar energy schemes.
“The appeal of the sun is notoriously difficult to challenge. We approached this with our eyes wide open and always knew that our discussion was healthy according to planning policies. We always wanted common decency and justice to win.
