Fears about plans to build a 'huge' solar farm in Rotherham & Doncaster
If given the go ahead - the solar farm could be in place by 2029
Last updated 6th Oct 2025
A 'huge' solar farm - which would be the largest of its kind in the UK - could be coming to South Yorkshire.
If it goes ahead - it'll cover 'hundreds' of acres of green belt land between Rotherham & Doncaster - as well as powering up to 250,000 homes.
A company called Whitestone is behind these proposals.
It's a national, government led project - which means people affected by this development won't get a chance to object to their local Council about it.
The Chair of Treeton Parish Council - Wendy Parker Foers - says it's left people in the village feeling concerned:
"It's going to take away 3,500 acres of agricultural land, and we don't feel that there's been enough consultation around all of this.
"The landscape around us is just starting to recover after over 100 years of coal mining.
"We've got flourishing wildlife and a recovering landscape, and now, we've got the threat of this massive, massive solar farm."
A final decision on the plans is expected in 2027 - & if approved - the solar farm could take 2 years to fully install.
The Labour MP for Rotherham Central - Sarah Champion - admits right now there's more questions than answers:
"I don't object to this is principle, but I do object to the way that local people haven't been allowed to have their say.
"Local people should be consulted first when these big projects are happening on their doorstep.
"What's in this for the people of Treeton? Are the community centres going to get free electricity?
"Is the school going to get free electricity?
"Is it just the problems that the residents are going to get, or are they going to get some benefit out of it?
"The installation is going to be quite disruptive.
"All around Treeton in particular are quite narrow, rural lanes - which are already struggling to cope with traffic.
"So, it's going to have a big impact when all the equipment is being taken through the village.
"It's not a job creation scheme either. Once they're up and running, they'll need people to wash the solar panels, but that's about it.
"What happens to the farmers? If these are tenant farmers, that means their crops are being taken away from them, with no additional work coming their way."
We've contacted Whitestone for a statement on this - but are yet to receive a response - although we do know a public consultation will take place in Rotherham later this month.
A Rotherham Council Spokesperson said:
“The Council has been notified of proposals for a large-scale solar farm and associated infrastructure, known as Whitestone.
“Due to the scale of the development, the project is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). Therefore, planning permission will be determined at a national level by the Secretary of State. This means that the Council, as the host local authority, will act as a statutory consultee and will be engaged at key stages throughout the process.
“The Council is currently reviewing the draft Environmental Statement, which was published last week, and feedback will be provided to the applicant in due course. At this early stage, the Council has not adopted a formal position on the merits of the scheme, however we will continue to engage with the applicant and - if an application is accepted - with the Planning Inspectorate.
“Additionally, the Council is considering two separate planning applications for solar farms, on land off Morthen Lane in Thurcroft, and on land off Carr Lane in Ulley. Both applications are currently being considered and will be determined by Planning Board in due course."