A proposed solar farm in Cumbria the size of 70 football pitches has drawn dozens of objections from residents.
High Rigg Solar Limited has submitted plans to Westmorland and Furness Council for the development on agricultural land at Calthwaite, near Penrith.
The company said the project is necessary to meet renewable energy targets and help combat climate change.
Planning documents confirmed the site would sit next to Skelton Pasture Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Cumbrian Marsh Fritillary Special Area of Conservation.
The developer argued the site consists of “lower grade agricultural land” and added: “This is exactly the sort of site that should be actively promoted by the council in order to help meet the UK’s renewable energy generating targets.”
But the BBC reports some residents, have raised concerns about the loss of farmland, wildlife disruption and the visual impact on the local landscape.
One villager said the site was “excellent farm land” and warned: “There is no need to destroy good farming land, once it is gone it will never be returned to its original state, regardless of what mitigation is offered.”
Another resident described the plans as “excessive,” claiming the development would cover “a huge area completely at odds with the surrounds, habitats and countryside.”
High Rigg Solar said the facility would operate for 40 years before being restored “to its existing condition.”
Skelton Parish Council has also objected, citing traffic concerns during construction.
While noting community support for renewable energy in principle, the council said: “It is felt that the large scale of this proposal will be overbearing on the local landscape and its impact on the community.”
The council will decide on the application after the consultation period ends on 18 September.
Plans for huge Cumbria solar farm spark objections appeared first on Energy Live News.