Solar farm size of 118 football pitches planned for North Yorkshire farmland
A solar farm covering an area as large as 118 football pitches could be coming to York.
Plans lodged with York Council would see the site, which would generate 57MW of power, built in Newlands Lane, Upper Poppleton.
Applicants BSR Energy stated the panels would be installed across several fields currently used for farming and some isolated homes were located nearby.
The solar farm would connect to the existing Poppleton 275kV Substation if the plans are approved.
Panels would be mounted on fixed frames and made out of high-transparency solar glass with an anti-reflective coating to minimise glint and glare.
The site would have an operational lifespan for around 40 years, according to the environmental impact assessment screening opinion lodged with the council.
Plans stated the development would include comprehensive landscaping to keep its impact on the surrounding area to a minimum.
They added it would also include a number of biodiversity improvements for plants and animals.
The application stated: “Whilst the proposal may give rise to some limited and localised environmental effects, these will be appropriately managed through the design and layout of the development, the incorporation of suitable mitigation measures, and the adoption of best practice during construction and operation.
“The proposal is not expected to result in any significant adverse effects or wide-ranging environmental impacts.”