Far Place, Sidehead, Westgate, Bishop Auckland, DL13 1LE

the siting of ground mounted solar panels, together with the associated creation of hardstanding

Authority: Durham County Council
Appeal type: Planning
Procedure: Written
Development: utilities-energy
Postcode: DL13 1LE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect on the character and appearance of the area, including the North Pennines National Landscape
the effect on the recreational use of the Public Right of Way
whether the proposal would accord with the development plan with regard to development in the countryside
if there is harm, whether this is outweighed by the benefits of the proposal

What decided it

The unacceptable effect on the character and appearance of the North Pennines National Landscape, which attracts very significant weight against the proposal and is not outweighed by the renewable energy and operational benefits.

Framework references: 12, 15, 189

Plan policies cited: Policy 10, Policy 29, Policy 31, Policy 33, Policy 38, Policy 39

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
- Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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