Solar farm plans causing 'great deal of heartache'

Residents campaigning against plans to create one of Europe's largest solar farms in South Yorkshire have said the proposal is "causing a great deal of heartache across the region".

The application for the Whitestone solar farm between Doncaster and Rotherham is subject to a complex planning process as it is classed as a national infrastructure project.

Campaigners are holding a series of meetings as they are concerned many residents do not understand the scale of the proposal.

The solar farm was originally set to cover 3,500 acres (5.5sq miles) but Green Nation, the company leading the project, said the area covered by solar panels had been "reduced substantially" following consultation.

It said larger buffer zones had been created around homes, villages, public rights of way and environmentally sensitive areas.

If constructed as proposed, the 750MW solar farm, designed to power about 250,000 homes, would extend from Conisbrough through Ravenfield, Bramley, Wickersley, Hellaby, Thurcroft, Brampton-en-le-Morthen, Anston, Aston, Whiston and towards Brinsworth.

It would be bigger than the Witznitz Solar Park in Germany, currently mainland Europe's largest operational farm with a 650 MW capacity, covering 1,250 acres.

However, the Dama Solar project in Romania, which is in advanced development, has a planned peak capacity of up to 1.3 GW across 2,630 acres.

Mandy Kennedy, from the residents association in the hamlet of Firsby in South Yorkshire, said: "I live right in the middle of what will be a major solar farm and I'm potentially looking at two years of construction and noise.

"People are really worried as there is talk about an increase of up to 40% of traffic during the construction on what is already a very dangerous road.

"The major concerns are the loss of our countryside, it's the reason why a lot of us moved into this area because we wanted that peace and tranquillity.

"It's causing a great deal of heartache across the region.

"I don't think people really recognise just how big this is and just how much of our greenbelt we are going to lose across Rotherham and Doncaster."

Andy Robinson lives in the village of Brampton and is part of the campaign group Whitestone Warriors.

He said: "I don't think people realise the sheer scale of this solar farm.

"We have been invited by a number of parish councils to hold these engagement events so people can understand more.

"One of the issues is the construction routes for the HGVs, about 500 vehicles a day, and the cable routes which are absolutely massive and going to have a real impact on communities."

Green Nation CEO Jonathan Thompson said: "It is crucial for the UK that large renewables projects such as Whitestone can be progressed as quickly as possible, whilst also ensuring they are properly scrutinised.

"Whitestone would make a significant contribution to national energy targets, helping to reduce energy costs, increase energy security and fight against climate change, while also creating local benefits through jobs and a community benefit fund."

Planning inspectors will hold an examination period from autumn 2026 to spring 2027. The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero will make the final decision.

The latest community information evening will be held between 17:00 and 21:00 BST on Thursday 6 August at Ravenfield Parish Hall. Further events are listed on the Whitestone Warriors Facebook page.

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