INITIAL plans for a subsidy-free solar farm that could power the equivalent of 12,200 homes a year in Nottinghamshire are raising concerns among local councillors.
The 107-hectare solar site, which would be located in Halloughton, near Southwell, would also include battery storage for times of peak demand.
The land was selected by developers JBM Solar and Pegasus Group based on the amount of sunlight it receives, grid capacity and the area’s cultural heritage.
According to the Nottingham Post, some councillors from Newark and Sherwood District Council have voiced concerns how the 50-megawatt solar farm could change the landscape, the potential noise and that local residents are unable to voice their opinions as easily due to the coronavirus lockdown.
JBM Solar have insisted the farm would create no audible noise and in the light of social distancing measures, the developers are offering one to one phone or video talks to anyone with questions about the project.
Despite some concerns, members of the local community have also been supportive of the plans and renewable energy in general.
The solar energy from the farm could replace over 800,000 tonnes of CO2 from traditional fossil fuel energy production over its 40-year operational lifespan.
Construction of the Halloughton solar farm would last up to six months.
Pegasus Group is inviting feedback from the local community until 15 May, which will shape the submission of the final planning application.
