Objectors raise money to fight solar farm plans

Objectors are raising money to fight solar farm plans in the North Yorkshire countryside.

Energy firm Enviromena has submitted a proposal to build on farm land between Bedale and Exelby.

Plans for the 30MW Stell Solar Farm, which are due to go before councillors this year, have attracted more than 430 objections due to the land's historical significance.

However, the applicants said the proposed farm would create enough clean energy to power about 13,830 homes a year.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Bedale Town Council and several local parish councils have also raised concerns about the plans.

The Say No To Stell Solar Farm group was formed by local residents to oppose the scheme.

Justyn Castle, chair of the group, claimed the vast majority of those in favour of the development were not local and had added their details to a letter pre-prepared by the applicant.

He said: "It smacks of developer desperation, or landowner desperation.

"All of the objections that we've generated are through community events, like attending the Bedale Christmas Fair."

Mr Castle said the campaign group was preparing to voice its opposition when the application was brought before the North Yorkshire Council planning committee.

A fund of more than £4,000 has been raised by the group, with sales of a calendar featuring scenic images from the proposed solar farm site generating about £1,500.

Some of this money has been used to commission an independent consultant to assess the solar farm's impact on the local transport network.

Bruce Bamber, director of Railton TPC Ltd, concluded in his report: "The access proposals, as they stand, present an unacceptable risk to pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and other vulnerable highway users who currently use both Lord's Lane and the rights of way that cross the site for a wide range of purposes."

Lee Adams, Enviromena chief commercial officer, said the company recognised that renewable energy projects could generate a range of views locally and they respected the right of people to express both support and concern.

"We welcome engagement from all members of the community and remain committed to a transparent and open process," he said.

Mr Adams added Yorkshire had an important role to play in the UK's transition to net zero.

He said: "Independent analysis is clear that additional solar capacity is needed to deliver affordable, low-carbon electricity, strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

"Well-designed solar projects can also provide long-term environmental benefits, including biodiversity enhancements and continued land stewardship."

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