Solar farm at Halloughton, near Southwell, approved by Newark and Sherwood District Council

Amendments to plans for a large-scale solar farm have been approved.

Planning permission was granted in February for the construction of a solar farm, spread across a dozen fields, on land north of Halloughton, near Southwell.

It was also for battery stations alongside associated works, equipment and necessary infrastructure.

This variation sought to amend minor aspects of the original approved plan.

The amendment would see the ommision of one pylon and the erection of two steel point of connection (POC) masts, roughly 29m in height.

These POCs are required to connect the electricity generated by solar panels to a pylon adjacent to the proposed substation.

In order to accommodate the masts, amendments have been made to the access track and one pylon which was orignally proposed would be omitted.

Also included in the amendments are the realignment of an access track, removal of some solar panels and the relocation of two battery stations, as well as the overall general realignment of solar panels in both northern and southern fields.

Planning officers found that the overall changes were negligible, so the plans were acceptable and the matter was moved for approval.

Committee chairman Roger Blaney said: "We must remember of course that we are only considering the alterations and not the principle which has been established."

Malcolm Brock, representative for Southwell ward, said: "You'll be pleased to hear that I am wholly pragmatic about this. I don't think the amendments enhance the appearance of the scheme but so be it.

"In principle I won't support it, I'll merely abstain."

Mr Blaney replied: "I share your view, we are where we are.

"Consent has been granted, the damage such as we assessed it as a committee and of the officers assessed it in terms of their recommendation has been approved."

Penny Rainbow echoed the views of Mr Brock, stating her desire to also abstain from the vote.

Although members expression that they approved reluctantly, the planning committee approved the application by nine votes to two abstentions.