Solar farm plan for former colliery at Askern
- Published
A developer wants to turn a former colliery in Doncaster in to Yorkshire's largest solar energy farm.
A planning application has been submitted to use 36 hectares (88 acres) at Askern Colliery for a plant that would create enough electricity to power 4,000 homes.
Harworth Estates submitted the plans to Doncaster Council, where a decision is expected early next year.
The company said the lifespan of the farm would be about 25 years.
The colliery, which closed in 1991, has been restored by Harworth Estates over a number of years, and has been classified as green belt.
If plans are approved, about 72,000 non-reflective solar panels would be fixed to the ground, standing about 2.5m high, which will allow sheep and cattle to graze.
A public consultation took place through the summer, speaking to local residents on their views.
Doncaster Council said a decision was expected in February or March next year.