Solar farm plan for land in Woolley village

Example of a solar farm

A solar farm has been proposed on land in Woolley where villagers managed to fight plans for two wind turbines earlier this year.

Rows of solar panels will be placed across a 20-hectare site at Haw Top, on Woolley Edge Lane, if the scheme gets planning permission.

And the development would produce up to 10 megawatts of solar power to help provide energy for an existing farm business.

It has been planned for the adjacent field to where Arcus Renewable Energy Consulting Ltd were hoping to build two wind turbines.

The turbines were initially approved by Wakefield Council, but planning consent was removed by a High Court ruling following objections from people who live near the site.

An environmental screening report submitted to Wakefield Council said the applicants were hoping to submit a planning application for the solar farm early next year.

But it said the panels, which would be set out in rows and separated by gaps of 7m, would have an impact on the character and landscape of the village.

The report added: “The proposed size of the development in this predominantly open, rural location could have significant impacts upon the environment.”

The panels would be mounted on frames, reaching up to 2.5m in height.

And a planning statement said the solar farm would be in operation for a period of 25 years.