Near 300-acre solar energy park planned

Banks Renewables says the project at Common Farm would have a 50MW capacity — enough to meet the annual energy requirements of 18,800 homes.

The firm says the solar farm would displace more than 11,470 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the electricity supply network each year.

The agricultural site is west of the Todwick Road Industrial Estate and about three miles east of the company’s five turbines at Penny Hill, Ulley.

Lewis Stokes, senior community relations manager at the Banks Group, said: “Maximising the production of renewable energy from domestic sources is a crucial part of the UK’s ongoing journey towards its net zero targets, especially within the current energy security climate.

“The Common Farm solar scheme will further extend the contribution that we’re able to make locally towards reaching these goals.

“We are really looking forward to meeting and working closely with residents, stakeholders and other community representatives to ensure we develop a comprehensive and detailed planning application, while taking on board their views on what might be delivered in a package of local benefits that will form a key part of the project.”

A 50MW battery energy storage system will link directly to Thurcroft’s electricity sub-station 3km north of the site, under the proposals.

Banks operates 11 onshore wind sites across England and Scotland.

Penny Hill, the Hook Moor windfarm east of Leeds, Marr near Doncaster and Hazlehead close to Barnsley generated almost 89,000MW hours of electricity in total in the 12 months to September last year.

Penny Hill’s community fund has also given £140,000 to projects since the blades started spinning in 2013.

Banks says a similar cash pot tied to the Common Farm solar project would mean £50,000 a year made available — equating to more than £2 million over the life of the scheme.

A planning application is expected to be filed within months, with Banks hopeful of receiving a decision from Rotherham Council before the end of the year.

Find more details at www.banksgroup.co.uk/commonfarm and send queries to [email protected].

RMBC will carry out public consultation as part of the planning process later in the year.