Nottinghamshire: Solar farm set for approval despite objections

Plans for a solar farm that could power 16,000 homes is set to be approved, despite objections from neighbours and local leaders.

The farm, which would cover countryside between Caunton and Kelham in Nottinghamshire, is being recommended for approval by council officers.

It would cover 76 hectares - roughly equivalent in size to 76 rugby pitches.

The solar farm would be located on the site for 40 years before being decommissioned.

Objections to the application have been made by seven neighbours, along with South Muskham and Little Carlton Parish Council, citing concerns over the potential environmental and ecological impact.

Although design documents state the site is secluded and will not have much visual impact, one neighbour described the likely effect as "catastrophic".

One Caunton resident wrote in their objection: "We see it as a blight on the countryside to the detriment of all those who pass it, but especially those of us who will have to live with it."

A decision on whether to approve the solar farm will be made at a Newark & Sherwood District Council planning committee meeting on Thursday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

It comes days after plans were revealed for a much larger project - the Great North Road Solar Park, which would be to the west of Newark.

Designs show a ring of solar panels - approximately four miles wide - being installed close to the villages of Maplebeck, Ossington and North Muskham.

It is claimed the farm would generate 800 megawatts a year - enough to power 400,000 homes.

Conservative MP for Newark and government minister Robert Jenrick said he would be "campaigning hard to stop this solar farm and others like it".

Writing on Facebook, he said: "This is not a reasonable proposal. It is completely out of control and must be stopped."

A spokesperson for Elements Green, which is behind the farm, said: "Great North Road Solar Park is directly in line with the UK Government's 'British Energy Security Strategy' for transitioning to renewable energy, energy independence and reduction of energy bills.

"We would welcome the opportunity to meet with Robert Jenrick to understand his concerns so that we can take them on board, and as far as reasonably possible, factor these into the evolving proposals for the scheme."

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].