The most opposed application in Hertsmere Borough Council’s history is set to be decided next week – and the scheme has been recommended for approval.
The planning committee will meet on November 11 to discuss plans for a solar farm to be installed on 19 fields across 130 hectares of land between Radlett and Elstree, for up to 35 years.
The plans have drawn 1,967 objections from the public, which is the most in the council’s history, while groups such as the Elstree & Borehamwood Green Belt Society and Radlett Society and Green Belt Association also voicing concerns about the loss of green belt land.
Applicants Enso say the Hilfield Solar Farm will increase the total amount of renewable energy generated with the land on the Aldenham Estate chosen because of its proximity to a National Grid substation.
The application has been recommended for approval in an officers' report to councillors.
The report states that the "public benefits" of the solar farm would clearly outweigh the "limited harm".
It says that subject to appropriate conditions, the development would not cause “significant harm” to neighbouring properties, the flow of traffic locally, or to air traffic, with Elstree Aerodrome situated close by.
The report adds that the solar farm would be a "significant contribution" towards addressing the climate emergency the council has declared, helping towards meeting local and national policy on reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change.
Council papers say the farm would generate up to 49.9 megawatts of renewable electricity per year, providing the equivalent annual electrical needs of approximately 16,000 family homes, although these homes would not necessarily be in Hertsmere.
Related: Aldenham Estate landowner reveals why she wants solar farm
Related: Campaigners step up effort to fight solar farm near Elstree
Sharon Woolf, who has co-led the campaign against building the solar farm, has previously said: "They are going to turn the countryside into an industrial site, which is horrible.
"We are not anti-green energy at all but this is the wrong location. Have you seen the size of the scheme? It is the type of place you’d put alongside a motorway.
"Its just ugly with no benefits for local residents. Loads of people are against this. It’s a beast of a scheme."
Hertsmere Conservative MP Oliver Dowden has previously said "very legitimate concerns have been raised" with him regarding the size and scope of the application but he added: "Hertsmere currently generates 5.4 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable sources, and this project could increase this to 20 per cent - enough to power Borehamwood.
"I have also been briefed that new planting and ecological connectivity on the proposed site would achieve a 40 per cent net gain for biodiversity."
Related: Oliver Dowden issues statement on proposal for huge solar farm
The council’s planning committee will meet from 6pm on Thursday November 11.
The solar farm proposal is among four applications up for consideration on the night.
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