Water Utility Plans 3,000 Solar Panels Near Yorkshire Dales Reservoir

A water utility company intends to construct a solar energy facility on land adjacent to a reservoir near the Yorkshire Dales, aiming to compensate for power usage at a wastewater treatment plant. Yorkshire Water plans to deploy 3,000 solar panels at Thornton Steward Reservoir, situated between Leyburn and Bedale. The company has submitted a preliminary assessment request to North Yorkshire Council to ascertain whether the 1.2-megawatt project, planned for 12 hectares of land belonging to the utility, requires an environmental impact assessment. Councillor Tom Jones, representing the Scotton and Lower Wensleydale electoral division, encouraged area residents to provide their opinions on the proposed initiative. He stated: “At this stage no decisions have been made and as part of the planning process, officers are seeking input from residents to better understand the views of the community.“This is an important chance for everyone to share their thoughts, raise questions and offer feedback. All voices are welcome and valued in this discussion.” A document indicated that the solar energy facility is projected to generate sufficient power to cover 89% of the electricity consumed by Yorkshire Water’s waste treatment works located at the reservoir. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the reservoir receives water pumped from the River Ure and provides supply to thousands of households in the vicinity of Thirsk and Northallerton. Should the project proceed, the solar energy installation would be situated under a mile from the communities of Thornton Steward and Finghall. Accompanying paperwork indicated that the proposals are temporary, enabling the land to revert to its previous purpose. Yorkshire Water stated: “We install and operate our solar generation sites for up to 25 years and after this period the installation is removed, with the land it once occupied able to revert to its original use.“This practice can be beneficial to the land, giving the soil a natural break from cyclical farming which benefits farming in the long term.“The scheme will contribute to our net zero pledge and reduce the reliance of our wastewater treatment works on the national grid, improving its resilience.”