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13
Jul
Huge 236-acre Scotton solar power scheme set for approval
Controversial plans to create a 236-acre solar farm at Scotton that could power almost twice as many homes as there are in Knaresborough have been recommended for approval.
Solar and battery storage company Boom Developments Ltd submitted plans last year to install a ground mounted solar photovoltaic farm and battery energy storage system at Lawrence House Farm, between Scotton, Lingerfield and Brearton.
It would be about the size of 150 football pitches.
The application received 244 objections and three expressions of support. Objectors included Farnham Parish Council, Scotton and Lingerfield Parish Council, Scriven Parish Council, Knaresborough Town Council, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and the Richmond and Northallerton branch of Reform UK.
North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee, which deals with major applications in the county, will meet on July 21 to decide whether to grant or reject the scheme.
Council case Officer Laura Bromley has recommended councillors on the committee approve it subject to 30 conditions in a report available here.
Ms Bromley said the proposal supports the transition to net zero and will “help secure stability and security in energy supply”.
She added:
It is concluded that the substantial public benefits of the provision of clean, renewable and secure energy would outweigh the identified harms to landscape character and visual impact, residential amenity, and to the significance of heritage assets that arise by way of changes to their settings.
On balance, the proposed benefits outweigh the harms identified, and there are no material considerations which indicate otherwise.
The site boundary. Pic: Boom Power Developments Ltd
Up to 100 workers
Boom Developments says the scheme could generate enough renewable electricity to power 13,450 dwellings a year, which is almost 1.9 times the number of households in Knaresborough.
The proposal includes solar arrays, battery storage containers, inverter stations, transformers, fencing, security cameras, internal access tracks, landscaping, ecological enhancement measures, and a construction compound.
The solar panels would cover about 153 acres of mainly grade three land. The land under the panels would be sown with a grazing mix and sheep kept on the land.
The land would be returned to full agricultural use after 40 years.
Among the concerns is the impact on the grade two listed Scotton Old Hall and the associated grade two listed barn.
Ms Bromley’s report says:
Overall, the assessment concludes that the amended scheme has reduced heritage effects to low or negligible levels. The principal designated assets (Scotton Old Hall and barn) would experience less than substantial harm at the low end of the spectrum, while the Quaker burial ground would experience negligible harm. All other designated assets would experience no harm.
Three vehicle access points will be created: off High Moor Lane for construction traffic, on an existing track next to the western boundary of Lawrence Hill Farm, off Low Moor Lane; and across an existing gated field access along the eastern edge of Lawrence Hill Farm field, next to Scotton Scorchers football club.
The access point for construction traffic has been relocated away from its original position by Scotton Lingerfield Primary Cchool in response to public objections.
Between 50 and 100 construction workers are expected to work on site.
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