Bird-watchers object to Banks Renewables solar energy park

Banks Renewables — the firm behind Ulley wind farm — applied last August for a 49MW capacity project to displace an annual 11,470 tonnes of CO2 from the electricity supply network.

But the SK58 Birders are among the opposition, which also includes Todwick and Anston parish councils.

A spokesperson for the bird-watching group said there were concerns for lapwings and skylarks in the area.

They added: “Surely common sense says to have all the solar panels means the wildlife will just be removed from the site.

“There is no reason why a small water area cannot be provided for lapwings which will also be beneficial for wildlife in general.

“I have found no evidence in solar panel farm studies carried out in Britain and America that they are beneficial to wildlife, especially birds.

“If planning were to approve this it would be another loss to wildlife, which is suffering badly.”

Among those to state their support for the scheme — west of Todwick Road industrial estate — is Cllr Ben Whomersley, who represents Dinnington ward on RMBC.

He said long-term improvements could be secured using the £2 million community benefits package being offered by Banks.

Conservative Cllr Whomersley added: “I’m a strong advocate of maximising the use of renewable energy in meeting our current and future energy needs.

“This project would have a strong contribution to make in this respect, while also bringing jobs and investment to the local area, and the benefits package that is part of it could be used to meet a wide range of community improvement priorities for many years to come.

“Many of the local people that I’ve spoken to recognise the positive impact that this funding would have on their community and they’re aligned with it happening.

“The solar energy park couldn’t be in a better location in terms of being out of the way and I would very much hope to see these plans moving forward in the near future.”

Banks says increased planting of hedgerows will help wildlife to thrive.

Public consultation closes on April 4, after which a decision will be made by Rotherham Council’s planning board.