Holt Farm – At the beginning of April, Wessex Solar Energy submitted a request for a screening opinion* (25/00640/EIA) for a c. 22 megawatt Solar Park on land to the north of the M3 on the opposing side of the railway from Hook. The site would cover approximately 22.48 ha (approximately 55.3 acres) with the River Whitewater running from South to North through the Eastern end of the site.
In relation to the screening opinion, Hart District Council decided that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not required prior to a full planning application.
The ‘public consultation’ was pitiful but was attended by the WVCS and we wait to see whether the developer submits a pre application or goes straight for a full application.
* A Screening Opinion is where the developer can ask the council for an assessment of whether an Environmental Impact Assessment report is required prior to a full planning application