Frodsham Solar

Climate Action Frodsham comments on the Frodsham Solar scheme proposed by Cubico.

11 August 2025

Climate Action Frodsham recognise the climate emergency and support measures

such as solar farms to reduce carbon output.

Unfortunately we feel that Cubico have not done their best to reduce the impact of

Frodsham Solar. We therefore must object to the scheme until Cubico have

improved their proposals.

The environmental assessment is very large and complex and we have concentrated

on the simplest aspect: the Visual Impact Assessment. The solar array is

approximately 1.8km x 2.7 km and is overlooked by most of Frodsham and has a

major visual impact. Unfortunately, we find that the visual impact assessment

produced by Cubico is flawed.

The visual impact assessment covers 30 viewpoints and we have concentrated on 1

of them.

Viewpoint 9 Frodsham Hill War Memorial. This gives an unrestricted view of the

whole development. The principles discussed here apply to many other viewpoints

even though their view may be restricted.

Figure 6-39i shows the existing view as a baseline and Figure 6-39iii after

development.

The description of baseline points out the existing industry and infrastructure in the

view (as well as industrial features that are 75 degrees to the west and out of the

view) and mentions that "the estuary and farmland within Frodsham Marshes are

also prominent features".

This undervalues the farmland on the marshes, it is not just a prominent feature of

the view, it is the basic nature of the view. Farmland with industry around it. It is more

prominent in the view than the total of the industrial features. The view of green

farmland is particularly valuable in that it provides relief from the surrounding view of

housing and industry.

The report states "The presence of the solar array would result in an incremental

increase in the well-established influence of industry and infrastructure in views".

The suggestion that the increase is incremental implies a small increase on a large

base whereas the solar array covers approximately 1.8km by 2.7km. It extends

around 70 degrees of the panorama and has twice the visual area of the existing

chemical industry from Rocksavage to Weston Point. There is not an incremental

increase, there is a tripling of the influence of industry. 

The report states "the expansive, diverse and panoramic nature of the baseline view

strongly influenced by industry and infrastructure development would remain

essentially the same.".

The view would not be the same, the largest feature of the view would have changed

from varied green fields to a solid array of black solar panels. Its character would

have changed from agriculture with industry nearby to industrial with some green

patches.

The faulty analysis concludes incorrectly that "The effects would not be significant.".

It is therefore essential that the visual impact assessment is repeated reflecting the

actual landscape and that remedial measures are designed to reduce the impact.

Have your Say

Here are links for a Cubico PR document and the detailed documents on the project and how to register your comments on the planning inspectorate website.

CAF have submitted the above comments stating that we object to the scheme until Cubico

produce a credible visual impact assessment and design appropriate landscaping

and screening.

The photomontage of the view from the hill with the solar panels, Figure 6-39iii, shown above. What do you think of the effect on the view?

We hope that other organisations are reviewing other aspects of the proposal.

It is important that you have your say on the development. There is an opportunity to

comment but you must register by 28th August.

Below are links which  will take you to Cubico PR information and to the Planning Inspectorate to view the documents provided by Cubico and to register to comment.