The Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has written to an energy company to ask if it intends to go ahead with plans to build a huge solar farm on farmland north of Scotton.
Andrew Jones was prompted into action by residents in Scotton, Farnham and Brearton who contacted him concerned about the lack of any information about the proposals.
Sustainable energy company Gridserve is proposing to build the solar plant on an 88-hectare site belonging to Lawrence Moor Farm.
Its plans envisage thousands of solar panels generating up to 49.9 megawatts of green energy that could power up to 14,000 homes.
Gridserve, which is headquartered in Buckinghamshire, applied to Harrogate Borough Council for a scoping opinion to see if it felt a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
There were objections from nearby parish councils, the Harrogate Ramblers and the Harrogate and Dales Horse Riding Association, as well as the local Green Party, which opposes such developments on agricultural land.
At the end of July 2021, Harrogate Borough Council confirmed that a detailed EIA would be required, but Gridserve has taken no action since.
Mr Jones said:
“I have been in touch with the council’s planning department and no planning application has been submitted since that date. From talking to many local people, I know that residents feel very much like the threat of an application is hanging over them. No-one disputes the need for renewable energy. It is primarily the location and effect on agricultural land which is the issue.
“I have therefore written to Gridserve to ask their intentions for the land. I hope, given the local opposition, that they will be reconsidering the plans, but I will let residents know the position when I receive a response.”
Read more:
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- Fears in Scotton that gigantic solar farm will spoil picturesque village
