Barnsdale Gardens may close if solar farm approved

Thursday, 6 February 2025 10:11

The owner of a world famous tourist attraction in Rutland says if a solar farm is allowed to build next to him, he'll be forced to close after over 40 years.

Econergy has submitted plans to Rutland County Council for a 67 hectare solar farm at Exton, next door to Barnsdale Gardens. Nick Hamilton says the expected loss in visitors will make his business unviable, and he fears the change in landscape will lead to more flooding and a dramatic loss of wildlife.

"I think definitely if the planning gets passed, then there is no question that this will shut and there is no question that I will shut it on the basis that I'm absolutely 100 per cent certain that the impact that a solar development in the fields just over our hedge of 168 acres of solar panels will reduce my business numbers so significantly that I would have to ultimately close.

The reason I would preempt that and close would be because the last thing I want to do is end up debted up to the eyeballs, losing my business and being flung out on the street with absolutely nothing. And that's not just devastating to me, but I've got staff here that have been with me for nearly 40 years andwe are a national institution, we're part of the BBC history, we're internationally and nationally recognized garden, and an absolute jewel in the crown of Rutland, and the solar panels, as much as alternative energy is needed, and I've said this many times before, it should never be about alternative energy at any cost."

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