Helperby solar farm plans met with wave of objections

Concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of plans to build a solar farm near Helperby

Plans to build a solar farm the size of 133 football pitches have been met with a wave of objections.

Pilmoor Solar Ltd says the proposed scheme at Brafferton Spring Wood, near Helperby, could generate enough electricity to power 15,000 homes.

However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of the project, with more than 60 objections submitted.

The proposal is yet to be discussed by North Yorkshire Council planners.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning documents state that, as the UK's coal-fired power stations are to be decommissioned by 2025, there is a necessity for urgent replacement power generation schemes.

'Cost-effective solution'

The application states, with electricity consumption set to double by 2050, solar farms offer "a safe, locally produced, and cost-effective solution, addressing growing demand, climate change and delivering secure, home-grown energy".

The papers say the Pilmoor proposal would offset around 21,500 tonnes of CO2, while the economic benefits of the scheme would include economic output of £1.7m over 14 months, £160,000 of business rates a year to the council and "significant spin-off benefits for the supply chain".

The application states: "The proposed scheme would provide a significant amount of decentralised electricity to the area and support the transition to electric vehicles and heating. It would also help to reduce the UK's reliance on imported fossil fuels and help the UK gain more control over its energy provision and energy security."

Among those opposing the current plan, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said it "must object" based on the lack of ecological information provided by the applicant.

Objectors also highlighted that woodland beside the proposed site was listed on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' "Magic Map", and also formed a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

One said the scheme "represents a wholly inappropriate change of use of a substantial land area, at time when food security and the farming sector are under massive stress".

Another resident wrote: "The scale of the development is likely to diminish the enjoyment of the surroundings for residents, and regular visitors and to be inconsistently jarring for those encountering the solar farm for the first time."