Renewable energy is set to get a significant boost in North Yorkshire with a new solar farm proposal near Brompton-on-Swale. Brompton Solar Ltd has submitted plans to build the facility across 80 hectares of land, with solar panels installed on two separate parcels on either side of the motorway. If approved, the solar farm could generate up to 39.3 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, contributing to the UK’s ongoing efforts to adopt more sustainable power sources.
Project Overview: Solar Farm Details
The proposed solar farm will be built using advanced photovoltaic technology mounted on aluminium frames. The development will include:
- Solar Panels: Rows of panels designed to maximize sunlight capture efficiently.
- Substations: Three substations to support energy distribution.
- Power Stations: Nine medium-voltage power stations to manage the generated electricity.
- Security Infrastructure: Over 100 poles equipped with CCTV cameras for site security.
- Underground Cables: Infrastructure to transport the generated electricity without disrupting the landscape.
- Perimeter Fence: A 2.4-metre fence around the site for safety and protection.
The developers plan for the site to operate for 40 years, after which it will be decommissioned, and the land will be restored to farmland. They claim the soil will benefit from this process due to reduced agricultural activity during the solar farm’s operation.
Location and Environmental Considerations
The solar farm will be located north of Brompton-on-Swale on lower-grade agricultural land. The site has been carefully selected to avoid disrupting environmentally sensitive areas.
Key Environmental Measures:
- Preservation of Vegetation: Existing vegetation will mostly be retained to support local biodiversity.
- Ecological Buffers: The layout includes buffers around ecological features to protect wildlife.
- Glare Reduction: All panels come with an anti-glare coating to minimize reflections that might affect nearby properties or motorists.
These measures aim to ensure the project aligns with environmental sustainability goals while minimizing its impact on the surrounding area.
Community Consultation and Feedback
Brompton Solar Ltd conducted a community consultation before submitting the proposal to North Yorkshire Council. The company stated that local residents were given an opportunity to review the plans and provide feedback.
“A number of responses to the proposal have been received which, where possible, have been considered further during the evolution of the proposal,” the supporting documents mentioned.
As of now, no formal public comments have been recorded by the council.
Developer Background: Brompton Solar Ltd
Brompton Solar Ltd is a subsidiary of Harmony Energy, a Knaresborough-based company with a track record in renewable energy projects. Harmony Energy previously developed a 55MW solar farm in Skeeby, which is located close to the proposed site. The Skeeby project was later sold to a green energy company for a reported £38 million.
The proximity of the new site to the existing Skeeby solar farm could create a renewable energy hub in the area, potentially enhancing the region’s contribution to sustainable power generation.
Economic and Environmental Impact
If approved, the solar farm will contribute to North Yorkshire’s renewable energy goals by generating 39.3MW of electricity — enough to power thousands of homes with clean, sustainable energy.
Key Benefits:
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: By harnessing solar power, the project will reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Soil Improvement: The land will undergo a “deintensification” process, potentially improving soil quality by reducing intensive farming practices.
- Local Economic Boost: The project may create construction jobs and stimulate activity in the green energy sector.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the positive outlook, large-scale solar farms often raise concerns about:
- Visual Impact: Potential changes to the landscape, especially in rural areas.
- Wildlife Disruption: Even with ecological buffers, concerns about wildlife habitats persist.
- Land Use: Some may question the long-term impact on agricultural land use.
Brompton Solar Ltd has addressed these concerns by carefully designing the layout and committing to restoring the land after 40 years.
The proposed solar farm near Brompton-on-Swale represents a significant step toward sustainable energy production in North Yorkshire. With its potential to generate 39.3MW of electricity and improve the soil for future farming, the project aligns with the UK’s renewable energy goals. As the local council reviews the proposal, community feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.
Renewable energy investments like this could pave the way for a cleaner, greener future, balancing environmental protection with energy needs.