Wangaratta Council refused a planning application for the 72-megawatt facility on Wangaratta-Kilfeera Road back in February, but even then, mayor Dean Rees warned the decision would be out of councillors' hands and was likely to be approved anyway.

Ten nearby residents had objected to the solar farm because of concerns it would remove productive agricultural land, have a visual impact and be a fire risk.

Bisen Energy had appealed the decision to VCAT, but that process was not necessary.

IN OTHER NEWS:

A Victorian government spokesperson said the project had earlier been recommended for approval by the council's own planning experts.

"This solar farm will create jobs and boost the local economy while generating enough renewable energy to power 27,000 homes - reducing carbon emissions by 120,000 tonnes per year," she said.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne has approved more than $7.5 billion worth of projects since March, after the building and construction sector was identified as a key mechanism to revitalise the state's economy.

"We know how important the building and development sector is to our economic recovery and we're continuing to support the industry with a pipeline of shovel ready projects," he said.

There is no opportunity to appeal the minister's decision to grant a permit for the project.