Public asked for thoughts on large solar farm plans

The public are being asked their thoughts on plans for a solar farm in south Cumbria the size of 115 football pitches.

Innova Renewables Developments Limited has submitted a planning application to Westmorland and Furness Council for a solar farm and energy storage system on land to the south of Riddings Lane in Gleaston, between Barrow and Ulverston.

The group, called ‘Riddings Lane Solar Farm Action Group’ oppose the proposed development and a representative said it would be ‘too industrialised’ for the countryside.

A spokesperson for the group said: “We’re not against solar power; we just think there’s more appropriate places for it such as brownfield sites.”

The group also claim the solar farm will be seen for ‘miles around’ due to the slope of the land and added there are concerns about how close the site is to Gleaston.

The spokesperson said: “I think the close proximity to the village is concerning to residents. The fact that there will be noise, not just in construction, but the continued noise from the battery storage.”

Over 40 objections have also been submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council which also claim Cumbria is experiencing a ‘disproportionate concentration’ of large-scale renewable projects.

Planning documents submitted by the applicant indicate that operational noise from the solar farm would be ‘low’ in absolute terms.

Plans add there will be ‘moderate to minor’ impacts on the landscape character which would be ‘minimised’ by a landscaping scheme.

According to Innova the proposed 82 hectares site could be capable of powering 12,740 homes and will save 10,700 tonnes of CO2 each year.

The planning, design and access statement reads: “The proposed development would assist in providing energy security and would facilitate the increase in the production of renewable energy in the UK.”

Planning documents state energy security has become a ‘significant concern’ since the invasion of Ukraine.

The statement adds: “It is becoming increasingly evident that there is a desire within the Government to be as self-sufficient as possible with our energy supply.”

Plans state the proposed development will include energy storage system units, solar panels, substation buildings, a welfare unit, office containers, security gate and fencing.

During construction there will be approximately a peak number of deliveries of 28 a day, plans add.

The land is currently marked as grade three agricultural land which means it is of ‘moderate quality’, according to Natural England’s Regional Maps.

According to planning documents, the proposed development would take nine months to build and would have a lifespan of 40 years. The applicant states after this period the land would be returned to its former use.

This planning application is undergoing public consultation until May 4.