Grove Solar Farm, Bentley, IP9 2BZ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether or not the proposed development would preserve the setting of the following listed buildings: Bentley Hall (grade II*), the associated Meeting Hall Stables (grade II*), Bentley Hall Barn (grade I); St Mary’s Church (grade II*); Maltings House (Grade II)
• whether or not the proposed development would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Bentley Conservation Area
• whether there are any non-designated heritage assets which would be affected by the proposed development and, if so, the extent of any harm should it arise (the NDAs identified are Falstaff Manor, Grove Farm, Potash Cottages, Red Cottages, Church Farm House and Barn, Bentley House, Glebe Cottage)
• the effect on the surrounding landscape and its status having regard to: the proximity of the National Landscape and the ‘Additional Project Area’, and the effects on users of public rights of way crossing or in the vicinity of the site
• the effect on the living conditions of local residents having regard to noise, glint, glare and visual impact
• the effect on Best and Most Versatile Land (BMV)
• whether the public benefits (which will need identifying and weighting) arising from the proposed development would outweigh any harms identified in respect of the above matters either individually or cumulatively

What decided it

The harm to the highly graded listed buildings and, in particular, the failure to preserve the character and appearance of the Bentley Conservation Area was not outweighed by the public benefits, including renewable energy delivery.

the substantial benefits of renewable energy generation, biodiversity net gain and economic benefits were outweighed by the great weight attributed to heritage harm (to listed buildings, the Conservation Area and non-designated assets) combined with significant landscape harm