Malton council faces appeal over rejected solar farm plans

A public inquiry has commenced in Malton regarding the appeal by Harmony Energy against North Yorkshire Council's refusal of a solar panel development at Eden Farm. The council's decision, made in October 2023, faced significant opposition, with 500 objections raised by local residents. Key figures, including Deputy Mayor Lindsay Burr and former MP Sir Robert Goodwill, voiced their concerns during the inquiry, emphasizing the lack of local support for the project and the potential negative impact on agricultural land. Harmony Energy's legal counsel argued that the solar farm aligns with government policy and would only affect a small portion of high-grade agricultural land. They claimed the project could power 8,000 homes, presenting it as a necessary step towards renewable energy. However, the opposing side, represented by the Sturdys, who manage the farm, contended that the development would render the land unusable for sheep grazing for up to 40 years, significantly affecting their farming operations. The inquiry highlighted the tension between renewable energy initiatives and local agricultural interests. Sir Robert Goodwill referenced Labour's manifesto, which advocates for local communities to benefit from energy production, suggesting that the current proposal does not meet this criterion. The inquiry is set to hear further evidence from Harmony's directors and supporting experts, who will address the concerns raised by the opposition. As the inquiry progresses, the outcome remains uncertain, with local sentiment strongly against the solar farm. The decision will ultimately determine the future of Eden Farm and the balance between energy development and agricultural preservation in the region.