Residents in a secluded area of England reject developers, citing Derby Telegraph
Lullington, a charming countryside village in southern Derbyshire, has remained mostly unaffected by development over the years. With a population of only 124 residents, the village has seen minimal changes, with only a few new houses built in recent decades. However, a proposal to construct a large solar farm on agricultural land used by Walkers to grow potatoes has sparked opposition from the villagers.
The initial application for the solar farm, covering 173 acres of land between Lullington and Coton in the Elms, was rejected by South Derbyshire District Council in 2022 and was later turned down by a government planning inspector in 2023 due to concerns about its impact on valuable farming land. The revised proposal, with a reduced area of 114 acres, is now being considered. This new plan aims to generate 44 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 13,400 homes.
Villagers in Lullington are strongly against the proposed solar farm, with concerns raised about the impact on agricultural land and the overall character of the village. Many residents view the development as short-sighted and unnecessary in an area known for its rich agricultural heritage. They fear that approving the solar farm would disrupt food production in a time of global uncertainty.
Long-time residents like Leslie Gilbert and Jean Wilkes express their opposition, emphasizing the need to protect productive farmland and preserve the village’s tight-knit community. They believe that placing a solar farm on valuable agricultural land is not the right approach, especially with the current challenges faced in food production worldwide. Concerns have also been raised about the potential loss of the village’s identity and the threat posed by excessive development.
Despite the developer’s intentions to move forward with the project and submit a formal planning application, many villagers remain steadfast in their opposition. They are determined to protect their community and maintain the rural charm of Lullington. The consensus among residents is that sensitive development, such as housing with proper infrastructure, would be more acceptable than a large-scale solar farm, which they see as an unwelcome intrusion into their peaceful village.
As the debate over the solar farm continues, villagers in Lullington are united in their commitment to preserving the character and integrity of their beloved community. With a deep-rooted sense of pride and a strong connection to the land, they are prepared to stand firm against any development that threatens to disrupt the tranquil beauty of their corner of untouched England.