Planning Board approves Fearing Hill solar farm "with deep regret"

After years of controversy, legal proceedings and opposition from residents, the Planning Board voted Monday, Nov. 9 to approve a revised decision for the Fearing Hill solar farm.

The vote brings a lengthy dispute over the project closer to its conclusion, although board members acknowledged that their options were limited following a court settlement with developer Wareham MA 3, LLC.

"We have been painted all the way into the corner," said Planning Board chair Jane Gleason. 

She explained that the town faces a Friday, Nov. 13 deadline to finalize the decision or risk losing concessions negotiated with the developer. If that were to happen it could prove "detrimental and costly" to the town, Gleason said.

The board initially denied the project in July 2026, prompting the developer to sue the town. Following arbitration and a court hearing, the parties reached a settlement earlier this year.

The agreement included several concessions intended to address residents' concerns, including fewer solar panels, a prohibition on battery storage systems, protections for nearby wells and reforestation requirements.

At Monday's meeting, board members reviewed final revisions to the decision, including provisions requiring reforestation after the solar facility is decommissioned. The revisions also reduced certain maintenance requirements from 10 years to three years, a duration members described as industry standard.

Board members expressed concern that failing to meet the court-imposed deadline could send the matter back to court and jeopardize the negotiated protections. 

The decision follows years of opposition from Fearing Hill residents, who have raised concerns about tree removal, flooding, potential groundwater contamination and impacts on wildlife.

In September, protesters gathered outside a Planning Board meeting before a public information session on the project. Planning Board member Sam Corbitt described the meeting as standing room only.

At Monday's meeting, Corbitt recalled speaking with a resident who was shocked by how long the dispute had dragged on, with some board meetings stretching "till 11 o'clock at night" as members debated the project. 

The board voted 4-0, with one abstention, to approve the revised decision. However, the vote was not without reservations. Gleason voted in favor "with deep regret and great sadness."

The board agreed to finalize the amended document for signatures and filing ahead of Friday's deadline.