Planning application for massive solar farm expected "in a couple of weeks"

The proposed development would take up swathes of agricultural land in Rotherham, spreading as far as Conisbrough, for solar panels to generate energy.

It is so large the planning application will go to the Government for a decision, rather than being decided by local councils, which is normal procedure.

Now Rother Valley MP Jake Richards has issued an assurance that he will “always stand up for the best interests of our community” as the fate of the development moves closer.

He credits pressure from his own office, working with Conisbrough and Rawmarsh MP John Healey and Rotherham MP Sarah Champion, alongside residents, for Whitestone cutting the size of the proposed development by 37 per cent.

The overall development is split into different areas, which have provoked fierce local opposition, with concerns that ancient former parklands in the Conisbrough area could be affected.

In addition to the panels, infrastructure would be needed to store electricity generated and get it into the National Grid.

Mr Richards said the application was “expected within the next couple of weeks”.

“For me, this is when the fight truly begins.

“I intend to work closely with all affected communities to organise a robust and effective opposition.”

His opposition is based around the scale of the proposals and the effect it would have on the area’s green space, as well as the “unacceptable pressure” it would create for the local infrastructure.

Large ‘green’ energy generating projects are regarded as a key part of the Government’s net zero strategy, however.