Solar farm proposed for green belt land in village

A solar farm has been proposed for green belt land in Aston, Rotherham

A solar farm has been proposed for green belt land near a village.

Planning documents state that the development in Aston, near Rotherham, would span 31 hectares and have a lifespan of 40 years.

Applicants Abei Energy Ltd hope to install solar panels on two parcels of land which lie north and south of Carr Lane, which would be known as Piper Lane Solar Farm.

Rotherham Council will consider the application in due course, with residents invited to comment on the plans until 5 February.

The solar farm, which would provide renewable energy to the National Grid, would include 50,700 photovoltaic panels, as well as inverters, battery energy storage systems, and other associated infrastructure.

The proposal also includes security measures such as deer-proof fencing and a CCTV system to ensure safety, the Local Democracy Service reports.

If approved, the panels would remain at the site for a period of 40 years, and maintain a dual land use, combining energy generation with agricultural activity.

After this time, the site would be decommissioned, and the land restored to its original condition.

If approved, developers said heavy goods vehicles would access the site from Penny Hill Lane and Carr Lane during construction, with smaller vehicles used to transfer materials to the development area.

Once operational, the solar farm would be unmanned, with maintenance visits occurring weekly or bi-weekly.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.