Solar farm plan near town draws local opposition

Developers say the scheme would create enough energy to power 13,800 homes a year

Plans for a large solar farm in North Yorkshire have been unveiled.

Developers said the scheme, on land off Lords Lane, between Bedale and Exelby, would create enough renewable energy to power more than 13,800 homes a year.

Energy company Enviromena has submitted a screening application to North Yorkshire Council to find out if extra reports would be needed before a planning application can be lodged.

A campaign group formed in opposition to Stell Solar Farm said the solar farm would lead to the loss of good agricultural land.

The development would help North Yorkshire Council in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the energy company.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Solar farm installations have a small footprint on the land they occupy, leaving considerable scope for biodiversity enhancements.

"Research has shown that responsibly managed solar farms can play an important role in reducing the decline in biodiversity."

They added that existing trees and hedgerows would be protected under the proposals.

The Say No To Stell Solar campaign group said the plans could lead to more solar schemes and battery storage plants in the area, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In a statement, the group said: "This large solar installation will dominate the rural landscape.

"At 2.3m (7.5ft) to 3m (10ft) high, there is no way of seeing over, under or through the panels.

"The views from the public rights of way will be narrowed and hemmed in."

They said they feared wildlife would be "displaced and impacted" by the plans.

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