Controversial plans for a major new solar farm in Honiley have been approved following a planning appeal.

Enso Green Holdings P Limited has now been granted planning permission for the site which is roughly the size of 85 football pitches.

A planning enquiry into the controversial Honiley Solar Park was held in February after the decision to grant planning permission was 'called in' by the secretary of state.

Local MP Sir Jeremy Wright spoke against the plans saying they threatened the “erosion” of the green belt.

But acting on behalf of the secretary of state minister of state, Matthew Pennycook has now approved the application following the appeal.

“She [secretary of state] considers that the potential harm to the green belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm resulting from the proposal, is clearly outweighed by other considerations, and therefore considers that very special circumstances exist,” the report said.

The outline area for the proposed solar farm (image via planning application)

It added: “Weighing in favour of the proposal are the renewable energy benefits and biodiversity net gain which each carry substantial weight; enabling recovery in soil carbon and soil health, use of existing grid capacity, and efficient and effective use of land which each carry moderate weight; and reduction of surface water runoff, provision of permissive footpaths, benefits to the rural economy and benefits to landscape elements, which each carry limited weight.”

Honiley Solar Park was originally given planning permission in July last year, before being called in for an appeal.

Warwick District Council received 120 objections from the public as well as Beausale, Haseley, Honiley & Wroxall Parish Council and Warwickshire County Council's landscape department, before the original planning application was approved.