Plans lodged for 3,000-panel solar farm

Plans have been submitted to build a solar farm on land near Rotherham

Plans have been lodged to build a 3,000-panel solar farm on green belt land near Rotherham.

Downing Renewables wants to develop a 6.6 hectare site to the north of West Lane in Aughton, on land owned by Yorkshire Water.

The company say that the solar farm would generate up to 89% of the energy used at the adjacent Woodhouse Mill waste treatment works.

According to planning documents, if approved the site would remain in use for 25 years before the land was reverted to its original use.

Plans say the 6.6 hectare solar farm would be used for up to 25 years

Yorkshire Water is looking to contribute to its net zero pledge by investing approximately £25 million to establish a portfolio of renewable energy projects across Yorkshire, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Despite being situated on greenbelt land, developers assert that there are no "significant" environmental or ecological sites within the project’s boundary.

The closest ecological area, Treeton Woods, lies approximately 200m northwest of the site.

The site will be made up of approximately 3,000 panels, enclosed within a secure compound with deer-proof fencing.

Residents can comment on the plans until October 15.

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