Solar energy farm plans near university approved

Solar panels and infrastructure have been approved for land close to Lancaster University

A new council-backed solar energy farm looks set to be built in Lancashire after councillors approved an application.

Plans are in place for the site near Bailrigg and the West Coast Mainline railway, near Lancaster University.

Solar panels and infrastructure have been approved for land south of Burrow Beck at Bailrigg Lane.

The site is owned by Lancaster City Council, which said it was "committed to supporting the move to a lower carbon future".

It is hoped solar and other new energy developments could potentially offer households and businesses alternatives to the big utility companies.

Important role

The report noted how the council had declared a "climate change emergency" in 2019 and set a target date of 2030 to make its own activities net-zero carbon. 

Nationally, there are plans to de-carbonise the UK’s power system by 2035, but the target may not be reached based on the current rate of change. 

Planning has an important role in building new renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure where the local environmental impact is acceptable, the report added.

Planning agent Richard Wooldridge, from HPA Architects in Lancaster, spoke in favour of the plan, representing the council.

Paul Holland, of Scotforth Parish Council and Bailrigg Village Residents’ Association spoke against it.

Concerns included the Burrow Beck site being an inappropriate location, visual glare on student flats and the impact of construction traffic on Bailrigg residents, trees and hedges.

Some objectors felt there was a lack of community engagement and there would be a lack of community benefits from the solar farm.