New planned solar farm could power 100,000 homes
CALLS FOR LOCAL VIEWS ON THE PROJECT
A COMPANY drawing up plans for a solar farm in the East Riding which would generate enough power for 100,000 homes has called for local views on the project.
Boom Power-owned East Yorkshire Solar Farm’s consultation on the plans, near Howden, is set to run until late June and includes public drop-in event.
Company Director Mark Hogan said the solar farm would contribute to developing renewable capacity essential for the UK to meet demand and guarantee energy security.
The consultation comes ahead of the company’s application for a
Development Consent Order for the plans. They will require Government approval and will not go through the normal planning process, with a submission due later this year.
East Yorkshire Solar Farm would be capable of generating around 400MW of electricity, well above the 50MW threshold to class it as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. The site would cover about 1,445ha of land between the villages of Gribthorpe, Spaldington and Wressle, and the town of Howden.
The farm will be connected to the National Grid’s substation near Drax. The power generated will go towards meeting the Government’s aim of having 70GW of solar energy capacity in the UK by 2035, as well as its 2050 net zero target.
Following an earlier consultation in October, the company stated the plans would also include buffer zones, tree planting and habitat improvements after some said the site was too big. The company stated only around half the land would be used for solar panels and their equipment and drainage will be added to address the risk of floods.
Screening would also be added close to nearby homes, with 2.2m high mesh fence used on its boundary to minimise the effect on views. The panels will move throughout the day to track the sun and stand at 3.5m-high at their maximum tilt.
Existing public rights of way would be preserved and new paths created. The company plans to avoid placing hard standing on higher grade land which could still be used for farming where possible.
Mr Hogan said the feedback from locals during the last consultation was invaluable. The director said: “We are committed to delivering a solar farm that benefits both the UK’S energy security for the long term and the local community.
“We are exploring the opportunities for a community benefit fund dedicated to local causes. We intend to work with local residents to ensure this provides meaningful contributions to the area.”
Drop-in session event dates: Today, 6pm to 7pm, webinar Thursday, June 8, 7pm to 8pm, webinar
Saturday, June 10, 2pm to 8pm, Bubwith Leisure Centre
Tuesday, June 13, 2pm to 8pm, Howden Shire Hall.