Solar farm noise fears for dog rescue centre

Sorrel Rodger is concerned about the effect the construction noise will have on the stray dogs in her care

The owner of a dog rescue centre has said she fears the animals in her care could be traumatised and distressed by the construction of a planned solar farm nearby.

Light Valley Solar has proposed to develop land between Escrick and South Milford in North Yorkshire, close to the Woodhaven Boarding Kennels and Second Chance Rehoming site.

Sorrel Rodger, who owns the business, said the building work could be "stressful and loud" and that dogs would be unable to "decompress" if the plans went ahead.

The developer said: "We are grateful for the feedback received throughout the consultation periods."

If approved by the government, the site would be one of the UK's largest solar energy schemes.

Ms Rodger, 33, added: "The kennels property is surrounded by a massive field on three sides. Light Valley Solar are planning on turning that field and quite a lot of fields just down the lane into a solar panel site."

Her rescue service works with dog wardens for Leeds City Council and the Selby district of North Yorkshire Council to take in strays and prepare them for adoption.

She said the animals were often scared and stressed when they arrived at the kennels.

The proposed solar farm could surround Woodhaven on three sides

The centre itself uses solar energy from panels installed on its roof, but Ms Rodger said the land should be used for food production instead.

"It's a very small community, we're surrounded by nature and people love that. There are industrial estates nearby that could be used, their roofs could be used for solar panels."

Due to the size of the proposed development, the Light Valley Solar scheme has been declared a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.

The status means that a decision on whether to grant permission will rest with HM Planning Inspectorate rather than North Yorkshire Council.

The project has already had two previous consultation phases, with the current targeted phase closing on 20 November.

In total, 2,500 acres would be used for seven separate solar farms.

A petition against the plans has gathered more than 3,900 signatures, citing fears of impact on the landscape and the lives of local residents.

Ms Rodger is concerned about the impact that potential construction traffic could have

Ms Rodger also expressed concerns about construction traffic using the single track road that passes the kennels.

She said it could be "really dangerous" for dog walkers as well as volunteers who exercise the animals in her care.

Light Valley Solar said it had "refined" proposed access routes based on feedback received during the consultation.

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