Plans passed for new solar farm in Chesterfield area
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It is set to be constructed on 65 hectares of agricultural land adjacent to Inkersall Road, Staveley, and operate for 40 years.
The company behind the proposal, Inkersall Solar Farm Ltd, submitted a planning application to Chesterfield Borough Council.
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Hide AdThe application was granted conditional permission when members of the council’s planning committee met on Monday.
A planning officer’s report states: “It was estimated that the solar panels would generate 40MW capacity which is enough electricity to power approximately 13,291 homes and which represents a saving of approximately 9,852 tonnes of Co2 a year.”
However, the council received scores of objections to the application.
One said: “The proposed application for the gigantic solar farm is more like a village.
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Hide Ad“The image from the consultants report suggests that it is larger than the combination of Inkersall and Middlecroft housing estates.
“The application has a huge visual impact on the area as it borders with the Trans Pennine Trail and peaceful surroundings of Poolsbrook Country Park.”
The officer's report states: “It’s accepted that there will be differences in opinion as to the extent of any visual and landscape impacts and concerns have been expressed on a number of occasions that the scheme is just too large and as a result has an impact on the local area which would be detrimental.
“On balance, it is concluded that the benefits of delivering a renewable energy scheme outweigh the harm and it is considered that the proposed development is acceptable in so far as impact in visual and landscape terms are concerned.”