Solar farm threatens area writer loved

A SOLAR farm planned for the Derbyshire countryside where DH Lawrence (below) once strode is set to be rejected following mass opposition.

At a crunch meeting next week, Amber Valley Borough Council is recommended to turn down proposals from Kronos Solar to build a solar farm covering more than

260 acres between Alfreton, Shirland and Oakerthorpe.

The farm, which crosses Amber Valley and North East Derbyshire, is said to be capable of generating enough electricity to power 11,500 homes – three times the number of households in the town. However, the authority’s officers have recommended the plans are refused, saying the “magnitude” of the scheme would have a “significant” impact on the countryside. Kronos Solar said it is disappointed at the recommendation and alleges “if these proposals do not come forward here, in these conditions, they will not come forward anywhere in the UK”. It feels the level of “hostility” directed at the scheme could suggest the UK is not willing g to act on climate change.

In opposition are the area’s town and parish councils, county and borough councillors for the area, past and present, including the county council leader Barry Lewis.

Nearly 700 objection letters have been submitted opposing the application, with four supporting the scheme. Out of all the organisations the borough council had to consult on the plans, only the county council’s archaeologist formally objected, with the rest in favour of the scheme if a range of protective conditions are met.

Other consultees, including the Peak and Northern Footpaths Society, the county council’s strategic planning department and the borough council’s heritage officer, have also objected.