Residents may have to wait until the end of July to find out whether a huge solar farm in Honiley will be allowed planning permission.

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.

Approximately 85 full-size football pitches, Enso's development would be allowed to stay in place for 40 years if it is given the full green light.

But an update to Warwick District Council (WDC) this week said a decision will not be made until 24 July at the latest.

"The Inspector’s report has been sent to the Secretary of State for consideration," the letter from the planning inspectorate said.

"In accordance with Schedule 2 of the [Planning and Compulsory Order] Act, I am writing to let you know that a decision will be issued on or before 24 July 2024."

Among a number of speakers, Sir Jeremy Wright addressed the inquiry and criticised the "flawed" decision by WDC councillors to give planning permission.

advertisement

The Conservative MP said Warwick District Council's planning committee's decision could set a precedent for other developments, and said the green belt - where the energy farm is proposed - needs to be protected from "erosion".

"This is not just a theoretical concern," he said. 

"I am aware of a number of similar applications for solar farms in my constituency and of one elsewhere in Warwick district where the approval of this application was cited as a precedent for the planning committee also approving that application.

"The straightforward submission that I want to make is that the decision of the planning committee, in this case, was flawed and that it risks substantial erosion of the important principle that the green belt should be protected from inappropriate development in all but the most exceptional circumstances, and therefore that the conclusion of the Secretary of State should be that the application is now refused."

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.