Solar Farm Project Capable of Powering 12,000 Homes Recommended for Approval

A report has concluded that a proposed solar farm, designed to generate enough electricity for 12,000 homes, is slated for a recommendation of approval. This project, intended to cover 66 hectares of land situated between Harrogate and Ripon, received 38 objections alongside five supportive responses. The report submitted to North Yorkshire Council indicated that the provision of renewable energy “attracted substantial weight in favour of the development”. The proposal is scheduled for a recommendation of approval during a meeting on Tuesday. Should it proceed, a community benefit fund would be established, committing £20,000 annually throughout the scheme’s duration to aid local facilities and projects. According to the Local Democracy Service, Harmony WG Solar Limited put forward the proposal for the solar farm, which is located near the villages of Wormald Green and Bishop Monkton. The company stated that its plans encompass ground-mounted solar panels, an access point to the A61, internal access tracks, a substation, two power stations, pole-mounted CCTV, fencing, and landscaping. Opponents expressed apprehension regarding the development’s potential effect on the landscape, as well as the prior approval of comparable solar projects within the vicinity. A report presented to the council determined that the scheme was acceptable in principle and complied with both local and national planning policy requirements. The report further noted: “There is strong national support for renewable energy schemes, as set out in national guidance and policy documents.” Previously, in 2021, a 50MW project received approval for farmland at South Stainley, a nearby location, though construction of that solar farm has not yet commenced.