Over 375 objections have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council in response to a proposed solar farm at Juniper Farm in Weeton.
The development would cover more than 80 acres of green belt farmland and include tens of thousands of solar panels, battery energy storage systems, transformer stations, inverter cabins, a meteorological station, security fencing, and CCTV.
The application has drawn attention due to the location of the proposed site within the Lower Wharfedale valley, an area known for its scenic landscapes and historical significance.
Landscape architect Xanthe Quayle, who has experience with planning and visual impact assessments, said:
“The proposed solar farm would introduce an alien, industrial scale development into a landscape of recognised scenic value and tranquillity.
"This proposal is uniquely harmful due to its location and scale within a highly sensitive valley side landscape.”
A local residents’ group, Stop Weeton Solar Farm, has stated that while they are not opposed to renewable energy, they believe large-scale solar projects should be located on rooftops or brownfield sites rather than on productive farmland.
Group member Bernie May said:
“We are not against renewable energy, but believe solar needs to be in an appropriate place, like roof tops and brownfield site developments, in line with national planning policy, yet this is currently not being adhered to.
"This development, and others like it, is not going to be a quick fix for reaching net zero.
"ABEI doesn’t even have access to the national grid as it stands, which will take years and will require more infrastructure and upheaval for the village.
"If this proposal goes ahead, we will be giving over productive farmland and our countryside to foreign companies who are just out to make huge profits, with no guarantee of it ever being even capable of operation.”
The application is currently under consideration, with a decision expected early next year.
If approved, the development would be among hundreds of solar and renewable energy sites planned or under construction across Yorkshire and the Humber.
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