“I am opposing Whitestone Solar Farm because it is far too large and in the wrong place.”

A Doncaster MP has claimed the solar farm plans are “too large and in the wrong place”.

John Healey, Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, has historically shown his objection to the Whitestone solar farm plans across Rotherham and Doncaster.

On August 6, a meeting was held by locals at Ravensfield Parish Hall to discuss the scale of the Whitestone solar farm project.

If approved the 750MW solar farm would be active for 60 years, designed to power about 250,000 homes.

It was originally proposed to cover 3,500 acres. However, Green Nation, the company leading the project, said this had since been “reduced substantially” by 17 per cent.

Mr Healey said: “I am opposing Whitestone Solar Farm because it is far too large and in the wrong place.

“I have spoken with hundreds of residents across the communities affected by this and, like them, have been disappointed with the lack of meaningful consultation about what this means for the local area,” he said.

The solar farm would go from Conisbrough through Ravensfield, Bramley, Wickersley, Hallaby, Thurcroft, Brampton-en-le-Morthen, Anston, Aston, Whiston and towards Brinsworth.

“They have lumped three distinct areas into one scheme. The three sites are geographically separate and miles apart. Residents in Conisbrough and the surrounding villages will not experience the same impacts as residents who live in Brampton, Ulley, Wales, Kiveton and Harthill.

“Simply put. Whitestone have taken a 3-in-1 approach.” he said

“Britain should lead the way in renewable energy production, but only when projects are proportionate, safe and fair. I have set out my concerns that Whitestone does not meet these tests and that is why I will continue to oppose this application.”

The MP said he encouraged residents to register as an interested party through the Planning Inspectorate’s website and make their personal views known.