Solar farm plan met with ecological objections

The proposed solar farm near south of Tunstall, North Yorkshire, would feature panels raised from the ground (stock image)

Plans have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council for a new solar farm on farmland near Catterick Garrison.

The development would have no unacceptable environmental impacts and would deliver "benefits in supporting job creation, economic development and significant biodiversity gains", according to applicants Enviromena.

The 23.5MW solar farm on land at East Appleton Farm, south of Tunstall, would produce energy for 11,000 homes per year, they said.

Nearby residents, however, raised concerns about the environmental impact on their community.

One said: "The area to be developed will have a significant and detrimental impact on a wide variety of rare and declining flora and fauna.

"Curlew and oyster catchers have bred and raised broods on this land over the last spring and summer."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, another member of the public said a solar farm already existed near Tunstall.

The proposed development could power more than 11,000 homes a year, the applicants said

Planning documents stated that habitats would be created as part of the development, with other "ecological enhancements" also planned.

Trees and hedgerows adjacent to the site would be protected, while existing rights of way would be kept, they said.

The proposed solar panels would be more than eight feet (2.65m) from the ground and angled at a tilt, they added.

Two electrical substations would also be created, surrounded by 6ft (1.9m) fencing and CCTV cameras.

The documents added that the solar farm would be temporary, with all infrastructure removed after 40 years, and the land reinstated.

Construction was estimated to take around 36 weeks, they said.

A number of objections have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

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