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24
Aug 2021
Harrogate district to get solar farm powering 15,000 homes
Harrogate councillors have today backed plans to build a large solar farm between Harrogate and Ripon.
The proposal, submitted by Elgin Energy EsCo Limited, would see Cayton Solar Farm built near the village of South Stainley.
The company says the site could generate 50 megawatts of electricity during peak operation and potentially power 15,000 homes in Harrogate with green energy. It will operate for 30 years.
A report before today’s planning committee said the farm, which will take up the equivalent size of 150 football pitches, would bring “significant renewable energy benefits” to the district and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A total of 58 people wrote to the council to object to the application but 85 people wrote supporting it.
Councillors on Harrogate Borough Council voted unanimously to defer the plan to officers for approval at a planning committee meeting today.
Global warming
Cllr Pat Marsh, member of the planning committee, said:
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Andrew Mott, agent for the developer, told the committee:
Sterile landscape fears
Residents that oppose the application are upset about the loss of green fields and agricultural land.
In its submission the council, South Stainley Parish Council objected to the perceived negative impact on the environment. It said:
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