Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) has submitted a planning appeal to the Planning Inspectorate for Wheatenhurst Solar Farm, following the decision by Stroud District Council to refuse the application in December 2025.
The proposed development, located at Epney, Framilode in Gloucestershire, would deliver up to 49.5 MW of solar generation capacity across a 47-hectare site, with an operational lifespan of 40 years.
Stroud District Council’s Development Control Committee refused the application on four grounds, relating to the landscape and visual impact of the grid connection compound, biodiversity net gain, habitats regulations assessment, and construction traffic management. PACE maintains that the reasons for refusal reflect information gaps at the point of determination, influenced by the limited timeframe available for submission, rather than fundamental planning objections, and the additional technical evidence submitted with the appeal addresses each concern comprehensively.
The appeal submission includes an enhanced landscape and visual impact assessment, additional wintering bird survey data, a Shadow Habitats Regulations Assessment, a River Conditions Assessment, and a detailed Construction Traffic Management Plan – much of which was prepared and submitted to the Council prior to determination but was not accepted for consideration.
“The UK’s need for new renewable energy capacity is clear, and projects like Wheatenhurst have a genuine role to play in meeting it. We have worked hard to address the Council’s concerns and are confident the appeal evidence demonstrates that this is a well-designed scheme in an appropriate location.”
Rob Denman, Managing Director, Pathfinder Clean Energy
The appeal is anticipated to be heard by an Inspector via Informal Hearing, subject to the discretion of the Inspectorate. PACE remains committed to engaging constructively with the Planning Inspectorate, the Council and local stakeholders throughout the appeal process.