She is Britain’s second-most decorated female Olympian, with three gold medals in equestrianism, but Charlotte Dujardin’s biggest victory was not won on horseback.
I can disclose that a controversial bid to carpet picturesque Gloucestershire fields with solar panelling, which she opposed with fellow gold medallist Carl Hester, has been quashed.
The dressage riders said plans for the six-megawatt solar farm near stables they use could hinder their horses’ fitness regime and harm their chances of Team GB selection.
Developers had challenged Forest of Dean District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission to plonk solar panels on around 34 acres of farmland in Upleadon, Gloucestershire — an area about 11 times the size of Trafalgar Square.
But now a planning inspector has dismissed the appeal by Pathfinder Clean Energy UK Dev Ltd.
Charlotte Dujardin celebrates winning bronze in the Grand Prix Freestyle – Individual Final, on Gio, to become Great Britain’s most decorated female Olympian with six medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
The dressage riders said plans for the six-megawatt solar farm near stables they use could hinder their horses’ fitness regime and harm their chances of Team GB selection. Pictured: Charlotte Dujardin
Carl Hester (left) and Charlotte Dujardin (right) raise the Union flag in celebration of their medal wins in Tokyo 2020
Developers had challenged Forest of Dean District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission to plonk solar panels on around 34 acres of farmland in Upleadon, Gloucestershire. Pictured: Charlotte Dujardin
District councillors had already voted to reject the scheme. The solar panels, which would have powered more than 2,600 homes, faced strong opposition from dozens of residents and the parish council.
Planning inspector John Woolcock said he found the proposal would have a significant adverse effect on the landscape.
He said in his decision notice that the site lies within the Severn Vale, an extensive landscape with a complex mix of arable and pasture farming.
Hedgerow and field trees are an important landscape feature, he added, and prominent when located on the many small hillocks that rise from the vale.
‘I consider that the appellant understates the sensitivity of the landscape receptor in this deeply rural environment,’ he said.
‘The metal and glass panels, along with their regular arrangement in long rows, would be out of keeping with the character of the area.
‘The colour and texture of the panels would not be typical of its agricultural context, and so the proposed development would introduce a utilitarian element into this deeply rural landscape.’
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk