‘Inappropriate’ solar farm in the Green Belt granted permission in Rotherham despite concerns

An application to build the solar farm in a 116 ha site in the Green Belt with more than 1,000 sqm of buildings, such as solar arrays, inverter/transformer stations and battery storage containers near Brookes Lane near Laughton Common has been approved today with a large majority at Rotherham Town Hall.

During the debate, Cllr Robert Elliott (Greasbrough) said if it is given permission, this development would “open the floodgates” in the area.

Lisa Brooks, a Senior Planning Officer at Rotherham Council, confirmed that the applicant was looking for full permission for the installation and operation of an “inappropriate” solar park in the Green Belt in Rotherham.

Ms Brooks said: “It is an inappropriate development in the Green Belt.”

As the development exceeds an identified threshold – 1,000 sqm or more – the Secretary of State would have to be informed and they would have to make the final decision.

Ms Brooks added the construction is estimated to take between six and nine months to complete.

In terms of its effect on openness, the proposal consists of a plan to erect a 4.5 m tall fencing along approximately 300 m on Todwick Road that would be eventually screened off in ten years by vegetation.

She added the application “does have the potential to impact a range of sensitive habitat and species” without mitigation but the proposed measures include solutions that would increase the vegetation on the site.

“That would benefit multiple protected species”, she added.

Ms Brooks said the calculations had shown that there would be a “69.4 per cent net gain” overall on-site.

The development would power “18,800 homes per year” solely from the site.

Ms Brooks said: “The benefits of renewable energy do, however, weigh substantially in favour of this proposal.”

The planning board also heard that the solar farm will have an operational life of up to 40 years before it would be “decommissioned”.

From the applicant, Rachael Edmunds, a Senior Development Planner, confirmed that it was going to be either “decommissioned or re-powered” after the 40-year period.

She added during the application process they “spoke to and listened to” local people and received a lot of support.

Cllr Clive Jepson (Anston Parish Council) said they were against this application and were not consulted about this proposal.

He said: “It is going to open up the area.”

The application was approved by an eight to one majority.