Councillors reject plans for new solar panel farm on Barnsley green belt land
The application was submitted for a site east and west of Engine Lane, in Grimethorpe.
An application for a new solar energy farm on green belt has been rejected by Barnsley councillors, following objections from residents.
The application was submitted by Enviromena Project Management UK Ltd, for a site east and west of Engine Lane, in Grimethorpe, Barnsley.
Councillors on the planning regulatory board voted to reject the application, and go against recommendations by council officers.
If approved, the solar farm would’ve remained onsite for 40 years, with a proposed generating capacity of up to 49.9MW and potential to power over 25,000 homes.
Objections from residents, ward councillors, and MP for Barnsley North, Dan Jarvis, were concerning the impact on visual amenity, concerns for wildlife, noise disruption, traffic and road safety and more.
However, supporters of the proposal had pointed to the farm having the potential to save over 14,000 tons of CO2 and help meet local and national climate targets.
Enviromena are expected to lodge an appeal against the decision.