Major solar farm plans submitted near Scarborough

The solar farm would use 50 hectares of land - equivalent to the size of 70 football pitches

Plans to build a solar farm the size of 70 football pitches near Scarborough have been submitted to the council.

Renewable Connections Developments Ltd has applied to use 50 hectares of land at Carr House Farm in East Heslerton.

The farm would generate solar energy for four decades, according to planning documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

A community consultation was held on the proposals for a month in summer 2023.

The developer said it only received four feedback forms but had “considered and implemented all comments” from the community consultation “where appropriate”.

If given the go-ahead, the construction phase of the development is expected to increase traffic on the road network surrounding the site, including the A64, for about five months.

Concerns had also previously been raised about the loss of agricultural land and other impacts of the development on the rural environment.

However, an impact assessment report states that although the land would not be available for intensive agricultural use, some agricultural activity, in the form of grazing, could take place.

The report adds that existing green corridors to benefit wildlife would be kept and the creation of new hedgerows could enhance foraging and nesting opportunities for a range of species including birds, invertebrates, and bats.

The proposal is pending consideration with the local planning authority and members of the public can make representations to the council.