Green light for 27-acre solar farm
PLAN APPROVED DESPITE OBJECTIONS FROM RESIDENTS
PLANS for a 27-acre solar farm on green belt land have been given the go-ahead.
The site, which will generate 4,500 megawatts of electricity per year, is to be installed on fields south of Chamber House Farm, off Rochdale Road East between Rochdale and Heywood.
It will produce enough energy to power 1,250 homes – or 1.4pc of those in the borough – annually, over a 30-year lifespan.
Despite its green belt location, officers recommended approval of the plans on the grounds it would make a ‘significant contribution’ to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and tackling climate change.
Heywood North councillor Liam O’Rourke told a meeting of Rochdale council’s planning committee the farm would be ‘massively positive’ for the vast majority of people, improving the environment and lowering bills.
However, Barbara Greenhalgh, of Rochdale Road East, spoke against Rochdale Development Agency’s plans on behalf of residents.
She said: “Our primary objection to this development is that the site is one of the few remaining unspoilt areas of green belt forming the boundary between Heywood and Rochdale and is vitally important.”
Ms Greenhalgh rejected claims that proposed landscaping would ‘go any way’ towards mitigating harm done to the green belt, adding the farm would ‘completely destroy’ enjoyment of the area for residents and visitors alike. She told the committee that residents of Dumfries Hollow were banned from putting furniture in the back gardens or using washing lines due to the impact on the green belt.
She said: “I think it’s ludicrous to say that residents’ use of their rear gardens is detrimental or harmful to the green belt, then suggest a solar farm is acceptable. The council has targets to meet so, all of a sudden, an enormous industrial-scale development is going to be given support regardless of the harm they freely admit this will cause.” Simon Taylor, agent for Rochdale Development Agency, said there would also be an ‘overall enhancement of local ecology through ‘the infilling of gappy hedgerows, extensive tree planting and sowing and upkeep of undisturbed wildflower meadow across the site.’ The development was also ‘entirely reversible’ at the end of its 30-year lifespan, he said. Coun O’Rourke acknowledged some residents would have their standard of living affected and called for them to be consulted and kept fully informed throughout the inspection.
The committee approved the plans unanimously.
It’s ludicrous to say residents’ use of their gardens is harmful then suggest a solar farm is acceptable Barbara Greenhalgh