Work starts to install 5,800 solar panels on former colliery site near Chesterfield

Around 5,800 solar panels are being installed on reclaimed land next to Williamthorpe Country Park, off the A617 Mansfield Road, where Williamthorpe Colliery once stood.

Derbyshire County Council gave the go-ahead for £700,000 of Government funding towards the plans on ‘farmland’ in October, just days after agreeing to oppose solar farms on greenfield sites.

The Reform UK-led council approved the Mayoral Renewables Fund grant money which will be used to develop the 2MW solar farm and the installation of the project, due to be completed in July 2026.

The site will generate around 3 million kWh of electricity each year, which is enough energy to power over 700 homes annually, based on average UK households.

A review of county council-owned property found that the 10 acre site at Williamthorpe was the most suitable site for renewable energy generation from solar power.

Custom Solar, part of Mitie Power & Grid, has been commissioned by the county council to carry out the work, including preparing the land, installing solar panels and electrical equipment, and connecting the site securely to the National Grid.

The panels are designed to operate for at least 30 years.

Wildflower seeding and tree planting have been included in the plans for the site.

Councillor Carol Wood, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Recent events on the world stage have shown the importance of energy security.

“We’re committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to energy security and efficiency, including clean energy, where it is reliable, affordable, and delivers clear benefits to residents – without increasing costs or reducing local choice.

“While the land at Williamthorpe has been reclaimed, it’s use is limited and it’s not suitable for growing crops. With the help of funding from East Midlands Combined County Authority, we’re putting this land back to good use to generate income for the council, benefiting local council tax-payers for years to come.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This project shows how we can turn land used in our region’s industrial heritage into a source of clean, reliable energy. By investing in sites like Williamthorpe, we are generating homegrown renewable power, creating long-term value for communities, and supporting the transition to a more sustainable regional economy.

“Through the Mayoral Renewable Fund, we are working with partners to deliver practical projects which reduce energy bills, cut emissions, and ensure the East Midlands leads the way in building a greener future for everyone.”

During a public consultation some had objected to the original planning application with concerns that it would result in the loss of farmland, affect wildlife, create an eyesore and that brownfield sites should be used for such schemes.

A council report states that the site consists of ‘farmland’ on an area that once formed part of the former colliery site and it is currently used for grazing.