Councils say solar farm would harm area for villagers
COUNCIL URGED TO CONSIDER ‘DEVASTATING’ IMPACT OF PLAN
VILLAGERS fear the “devastating” impact of a proposed solar farm near the M1.
Moto Hospitality Limited is seeking planning approval for more than 15,000 photovoltaic solar panels next to the Donington Park service station at Junction 23a of the M1.
Residents have voiced concerns about the plan, with some labelling it “opportunistic” and “lazy”.
Villagers in nearby Diseworth are worried about the loss of green space, with one claiming the development would put the village under “great threat”.
The plan is for 19 rows of static solar panels, along with transformer units and battery storage containers south of the service station area.
Agents Rapleys said the solar farm would be in operation for 40 years and would “enrich biodiversity” and “enhance the landscape”.
However, Long Whatton and Diseworth Parish Council said the solar farm would remove designated paths used by walkers and harm the area for residents already facing major development around them.
It said: “This proposal will add to the devastating and cumulative effect on the village of Diseworth.
This land forms part of the only circular walk in the area, a feature that has been enjoyed by our residents for around 25 years.”
One villager said: “The areas earmarked for development are not just parcels of land; they are essential to our daily lives.
“Moreover, they are home to a diverse array of wildlife, contributing to the rich tapestry of biodiversity that makes Diseworth so special. The [proposal] threatens to erase a vital part of our natural heritage.”
Rapleys says the design is “crucial” in efforts to meet net zero targets, with the farm producing 9MW of power to EV chargers to help power vehicles. The farm would have a “positive impact” on the area. Rapleys added that there was a “significant need” for the solar farm and that once its 40 years were complete, the farm would be decommissioned.
The district council will decide on the solar farm at a later date.