About this project
Planning Application Reference: 25/01865/APP
Project documents
Updates
Update 15th January 2026
Granborough Parish Council has received a third consultation in relation to the proposed Longbreach Solar Farm planning application.
The Parish Council discussed this latest consultation at its meeting on Tuesday 13th January 2026. Having considered the information provided, the Council resolved to maintain its objection to the application.
The Parish Council continues to express serious concern regarding the ongoing absence of information about the proposed grid connection. Despite repeated consultations, no details have been provided regarding the location, route, or nature of the grid connection and associated infrastructure.
The Council reiterates that grid connection details are a critical component of the scheme and are essential to understanding the full environmental, visual, cumulative, and community impacts of the development. Without this information, the application remains incomplete and cannot be properly assessed by the Parish Council, the Planning Authority, or the public.
Granborough Parish Council has therefore formally reiterated its objection and again urges Buckinghamshire Council to require full grid connection details to be submitted before any further consideration or determination of the application.
The Parish Council discussed this latest consultation at its meeting on Tuesday 13th January 2026. Having considered the information provided, the Council resolved to maintain its objection to the application.
The Parish Council continues to express serious concern regarding the ongoing absence of information about the proposed grid connection. Despite repeated consultations, no details have been provided regarding the location, route, or nature of the grid connection and associated infrastructure.
The Council reiterates that grid connection details are a critical component of the scheme and are essential to understanding the full environmental, visual, cumulative, and community impacts of the development. Without this information, the application remains incomplete and cannot be properly assessed by the Parish Council, the Planning Authority, or the public.
Granborough Parish Council has therefore formally reiterated its objection and again urges Buckinghamshire Council to require full grid connection details to be submitted before any further consideration or determination of the application.
Update 15th August 2025
Granborough Parish Council has been reconsulted on the planning application for the proposed Longbreach Solar Farm (Application Reference: 25/01865/APP).
This latest version of the application contains no information regarding the proposed grid connection — a critical omission given its potential impact on the community and environment.
The Parish Council formally met on 11th August 2025 to consider the amendments and has resubmitted its original objections (see update dated 24th July 2025), together with the following additional objection:
• Omission of Critical Grid Connection Information
The revised application provides no detail regarding the proposed grid connection point and associated infrastructure. This information is essential to understanding the true environmental, visual, and cumulative impacts of the scheme. The location and method of connection could significantly increase the scale of works required, including:
• Length and route of underground or overhead cabling
• Possible need for new pylons or substations, with associated landscape harm
• Trenching, excavation, and construction disruption along the route
• Additional ecological damage if sensitive habitats or designated sites are crossed
• Increased traffic movements and disturbance outside the immediate site boundary
Without this information, the application is incomplete and cannot be fully or properly assessed by the Parish Council, the Planning Authority, or members of the public. The connection route is not a minor technicality but a critical element of the project — and potentially the most intrusive.
Granborough Parish Council therefore maintains its objection to this application and strongly urges Buckinghamshire Council to require the missing information before any determination is made.
Call-In Update Granborough Parish Council has also requested that Cllr Phil Gomm call in this application to Buckinghamshire Council’s Strategic Sites Committee, due to its scale, complexity, and significant community interest.
This latest version of the application contains no information regarding the proposed grid connection — a critical omission given its potential impact on the community and environment.
The Parish Council formally met on 11th August 2025 to consider the amendments and has resubmitted its original objections (see update dated 24th July 2025), together with the following additional objection:
• Omission of Critical Grid Connection Information
The revised application provides no detail regarding the proposed grid connection point and associated infrastructure. This information is essential to understanding the true environmental, visual, and cumulative impacts of the scheme. The location and method of connection could significantly increase the scale of works required, including:
• Length and route of underground or overhead cabling
• Possible need for new pylons or substations, with associated landscape harm
• Trenching, excavation, and construction disruption along the route
• Additional ecological damage if sensitive habitats or designated sites are crossed
• Increased traffic movements and disturbance outside the immediate site boundary
Without this information, the application is incomplete and cannot be fully or properly assessed by the Parish Council, the Planning Authority, or members of the public. The connection route is not a minor technicality but a critical element of the project — and potentially the most intrusive.
Granborough Parish Council therefore maintains its objection to this application and strongly urges Buckinghamshire Council to require the missing information before any determination is made.
Call-In Update Granborough Parish Council has also requested that Cllr Phil Gomm call in this application to Buckinghamshire Council’s Strategic Sites Committee, due to its scale, complexity, and significant community interest.
Update – 24th July 2025
Granborough Parish Council held a meeting on Tuesday 15 July 2025 to discuss the planning application for the proposed Longbreach Solar Farm (Application Reference: 25/01865/APP). A representative from Noventum Power attended the meeting, gave a brief presentation, and responded to questions from councillors and residents.
Following detailed consideration, the Parish Council formally objected to the planning application. A summary of the main reasons for objection includes:
• Visual impact on the rural landscape and nearby viewpoints
• Inadequate biodiversity protections, including concerns for endangered species
• Cumulative impact with other large-scale energy developments in the area
• Traffic and construction disruption on local roads
• Harm to local heritage assets, including ridge and furrow features and church setting
• Lack of clear local benefit from the scheme
A call-in request has also been submitted to Buckinghamshire Council, asking for the application to be referred to the Strategic Sites Committee for determination due to its scale, complexity, and community interest.
? Download Granborough Parish Council’s Full Objection Letter (PDF)
Residents are reminded that public comments can still be submitted until 25 July 2025 via email to: devcontrol.av@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Following detailed consideration, the Parish Council formally objected to the planning application. A summary of the main reasons for objection includes:
• Visual impact on the rural landscape and nearby viewpoints
• Inadequate biodiversity protections, including concerns for endangered species
• Cumulative impact with other large-scale energy developments in the area
• Traffic and construction disruption on local roads
• Harm to local heritage assets, including ridge and furrow features and church setting
• Lack of clear local benefit from the scheme
A call-in request has also been submitted to Buckinghamshire Council, asking for the application to be referred to the Strategic Sites Committee for determination due to its scale, complexity, and community interest.
? Download Granborough Parish Council’s Full Objection Letter (PDF)
Residents are reminded that public comments can still be submitted until 25 July 2025 via email to: devcontrol.av@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
27th June 2025
Noventum Power Limited has submitted a planning application for the proposed Longbreach Solar Farm on land west of Marston Road and south of Hogshaw Road, Granborough. The application is now live on the Buckinghamshire Council planning portal.
Location: Land west of Marston Road and south of Hogshaw Road, Granborough, MK18 3JX
?Noventum Longbreach Letter – July 2025
About the Proposal
• The solar farm would generate up to 49.9MWac of renewable electricity – enough to power around 20,500 homes per year.
• The project would help contribute towards local and national net zero targets, displacing approximately 29,900 tonnes of CO₂ over its 40-year lifetime.
• No battery storage is included in the current proposal.
• Solar panels would be mounted on steel frames fixed into the ground (not on concrete pads) with a maximum height of 3.5m.
• Panels would be set back approximately 10m from field boundaries, allowing for deer fencing and landscaping
• A new access from Marston Road is proposed for construction and operational vehicles. The existing Wings Farm access and Hogshaw Lane would not be used.
• Construction is anticipated to last approximately 12-18 months, generating an average of 12 two-way vehicle movements per day.
• Once operational, site traffic would be minimal (approximately one to two maintenance visits per month).
• Public Rights of Way crossing the western part of the site would be retained. Noventum has indicated willingness to discuss possible diversions to reduce impacts.
• Landscaping plans include retention and enhancement of hedgerows, new screening, and ecological improvements.
• The proposal aims to deliver a biodiversity net gain exceeding 10%.
• Grazing by sheep between the solar arrays is proposed, allowing continued agricultural use.
• The project would be fully decommissioned after 40 years, with the land restored to agricultural use.
• Noventum plans to create a local Community Benefit Fund linked to the project, with details to be developed in consultation with the community.
Public Consultation
• A public exhibition was held on 8th March 2025 at Granborough Village Hall, attended by over 50 people.
• Key feedback concerned landscape impacts, construction traffic routes, and Public Rights of Way. Noventum has revised its landscape proposals and confirmed traffic routes to minimise village disruption.
Next Steps
• The planning application is open for public comments until 25 July 2025.
• Noventum has offered to attend the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 15 July 2025 to answer any questions from councillors or residents, either in person or virtually.
Viewing the Application: To view the full planning documents, visit the Buckinghamshire Council planning portal here and search for application number 25/01865/APP.
Submitting Comments: Comments can be submitted directly to Buckinghamshire Council:
By email: devcontrol.av@buckinghamshire.gov.uk By post: Development Management, The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8FF
Location: Land west of Marston Road and south of Hogshaw Road, Granborough, MK18 3JX
?Noventum Longbreach Letter – July 2025
About the Proposal
• The solar farm would generate up to 49.9MWac of renewable electricity – enough to power around 20,500 homes per year.
• The project would help contribute towards local and national net zero targets, displacing approximately 29,900 tonnes of CO₂ over its 40-year lifetime.
• No battery storage is included in the current proposal.
• Solar panels would be mounted on steel frames fixed into the ground (not on concrete pads) with a maximum height of 3.5m.
• Panels would be set back approximately 10m from field boundaries, allowing for deer fencing and landscaping
• A new access from Marston Road is proposed for construction and operational vehicles. The existing Wings Farm access and Hogshaw Lane would not be used.
• Construction is anticipated to last approximately 12-18 months, generating an average of 12 two-way vehicle movements per day.
• Once operational, site traffic would be minimal (approximately one to two maintenance visits per month).
• Public Rights of Way crossing the western part of the site would be retained. Noventum has indicated willingness to discuss possible diversions to reduce impacts.
• Landscaping plans include retention and enhancement of hedgerows, new screening, and ecological improvements.
• The proposal aims to deliver a biodiversity net gain exceeding 10%.
• Grazing by sheep between the solar arrays is proposed, allowing continued agricultural use.
• The project would be fully decommissioned after 40 years, with the land restored to agricultural use.
• Noventum plans to create a local Community Benefit Fund linked to the project, with details to be developed in consultation with the community.
Public Consultation
• A public exhibition was held on 8th March 2025 at Granborough Village Hall, attended by over 50 people.
• Key feedback concerned landscape impacts, construction traffic routes, and Public Rights of Way. Noventum has revised its landscape proposals and confirmed traffic routes to minimise village disruption.
Next Steps
• The planning application is open for public comments until 25 July 2025.
• Noventum has offered to attend the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 15 July 2025 to answer any questions from councillors or residents, either in person or virtually.
Viewing the Application: To view the full planning documents, visit the Buckinghamshire Council planning portal here and search for application number 25/01865/APP.
Submitting Comments: Comments can be submitted directly to Buckinghamshire Council:
By email: devcontrol.av@buckinghamshire.gov.uk By post: Development Management, The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8FF
21st February 2025
The Parish Council has been alerted to a consultation for another Solar Farm.
Wings Solar Farm (between Granborough and North Marston) has now changed its name to Longbreach Solar Farm – submitted by Noventum Power. 49.9MW, 65 hectares (160 acres).
Public Consultation: Monday 3 March to Sunday 16 March 2025
Public Exhibition: Saturday 8 March, 12.00 – 17.00, Granborough Village Hall, 3-5 Church Lane Granborough, MK18 3NN.
Parish Councillors from Granborough will attend the briefing.
Longbreach Solar Farm letter – Granborough Parish Council
Wings Solar Farm (between Granborough and North Marston) has now changed its name to Longbreach Solar Farm – submitted by Noventum Power. 49.9MW, 65 hectares (160 acres).
Public Consultation: Monday 3 March to Sunday 16 March 2025
Public Exhibition: Saturday 8 March, 12.00 – 17.00, Granborough Village Hall, 3-5 Church Lane Granborough, MK18 3NN.
Parish Councillors from Granborough will attend the briefing.
Longbreach Solar Farm letter – Granborough Parish Council