North Derbyshire Council Approves Solar Farm on Green Belt Land

North Derbyshire council has approved the construction of a large solar farm on Green Belt land near Wingerworth, despite strong objections from local residents, Wingerworth Parish Council, and environmental groups. The council justified its decision by citing 'very special circumstances,' arguing that the benefits of renewable energy outweighed the moderate visual and environmental impact, and that noise and traffic disruptions would be temporary. Opponents raised concerns about the project's proximity to homes, potential harm to local wildlife and the environment, loss of open countryside, and the industrialization of green space between Wingerworth and Chesterfield. Many argued the development should instead be located on a brownfield site and worried about the precedent set for Green Belt land use. The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England also objected, calling it an inappropriate use of protected land. The approval came with several conditions to mitigate potential impacts.