The general policies controlling development in the countryside apply with equal force in Green Belts but there is an additional general presumption against inappropriate development within them. Any proposals will be required to assess their scheme against the five purposes of the green belt. In addition, National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), paragraph 151 states that many renewable energy projects will comprise `inappropriate development’ in the Green Belt and by definition is considered harmful to the Green Belt and the general planning policy presumption against it applies.

As such, applicants of solar farms in the Green Belt will be required to demonstrate very special circumstances in order to be approved. The NPPF, paragraph 147, states that the wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from renewable sources can contribute to the very special circumstances put forward to justify development in the Green Belt. Many local authorities in Essex have declared a climate emergency and proposals will need to demonstrate how they are combating climate change including the displacement of carbon dioxide and ensuring energy security.

The Secretary of State will attach substantial weight to the harm to the Green Belt when considering any application for such development while taking account, in relation to renewable and linear infrastructure (connection to the grid), of the extent to which its physical characteristics are such that it has limited or no impact on the fundamental purposes of Green Belt designation. Consequently, applicants are required to determine whether their proposal, or any part of it, is within an established Green Belt and if it is, whether their proposal may be inappropriate development within the meaning of Green Belt policy. Any applications will also be expected to consider their cumulative impact on the green belt if they are located in close proximity to other schemes.