Plans to build huge solar farm on agricultural land in Yorkshire

Wakefield Council has approved proposals to install panels across five parcels of greenbelt land at Owlers Farm, between Ossett and Kirkhamgate.

Documents submitted to the local authority on behalf of applicant IBE Flushdyke Ltd said the development would be operational for 40 years and would provide “a consistent and reliable supply of renewable energy to the local distribution network.”

A planning statement said the scheme would provide enough renewable energy to power around 6,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by 8,600 tonnes a year during its lifetime.

The report said: “After this period, all buildings and structures would be decommissioned and removed, restoring the site to agricultural use.

“All proposed landscaping and biodiversity enhancements would be retained as a long-term benefit.”

The council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has pledged to become a carbon neutral district by 2036.

The scheme also includes the installation of a substation, boundary security fencing, four car parking spaces and access tracks at the site.

The statement said the plan met the ‘very special circumstances’ required to build on greenbelt land due to the wider public benefits it would provide.

It said: “The solar farm would help combat climate change, generate secure, domestic, renewable energy, create a significant net gain in biodiversity, and provide a sustainable source of passive income for the agricultural unit whilst intensely farmed land can rest and retain its high quality for longer into the future.”

A total of sixteen objections were submitted to the council since the application was lodged in May last year.

Concerns were raised over the loss of agricultural and wildlife habitats.

Others said the development would impact on the rural character of the area.

One objector commented: “The installation of large-scale industrial infrastructure will irrevocably damage the character of the landscape,

Another resident said: “The land in question is productive agricultural land, essential for growing food and supporting local farming economies.

“With increasing global concern over food security, it is short-sighted to sacrifice viable farmland for energy infrastructure that could be better situated on brownfield sites.”

No comments in support of the proposals were submitted to the council.