Nick Babb

10:00am - 2:00pm

Email the studio

Traveling Wilburys

Handle With Care

Listen Live Podcasts

New solar farm between Harrogate and Ripon set for approval

Friday, 6 December 2024 07:04

By Joe Willis, Local Democracy Reporter

A solar farm near Harrogate could provide enough energy to power 12,000 homes.

Plans for a large 43MW solar farm on farmland between Harrogate and Ripon are set for approval.

Councillors at North Yorkshire Council will be recommended to approve the scheme on 66 hectares of land near the villages of Wormald Green, Bishop Monkton and Burton Leonard when they meet next week.

The scheme could provide enough energy to power 12,000 homes.

As well as ground-mounted solar panels, the plans include access to the A61, internal access tracks, a substation, two power stations, pole mounted CCTV, fencing and landscaping.

The application from Harmony WG Solar Limited has attracted five responses in support from the local public, but 38 objections.

The objections include the scheme’s use of arable land capable of producing food for animals or humans and the solar farm’s negative impact on the landscape.

Others have pointed out that similar solar schemes have already been approved in the area.

In 2021, a 50MW scheme was given the go-ahead on farmland at nearby South Stainley, although the solar farm is yet to be built.

Councillors will discuss the application meet the strategic planning committee meets on Tuesday.

A report to councillors concludes: “The proposed solar farm is considered to be acceptable in principle and meets the requirements of local and national planning policies.

“There is strong national support for renewable energy schemes, as set out in national guidance and policy documents.

“The provision of renewable energy attracts substantial weight in favour of the development and biodiversity enhancements attract moderate weight in favour.”

A community benefit fund would be set up if the plans are approved.

This would allocate £20,000 a year for the lifetime of the scheme to support local facilities and projects.

More from Local News

Harrogate's free repair café to return next weekend

Harrogate's volunteer-run Repair Café will be back next weekend, offering free fixes for broken household items.
Council issues roadworks update as Tesco works near completion

The one-way system on Skipton Road in Harrogate is expected to remain in place until later this month, as construction work linked to the new Tesco store nears completion.
Harrogate wins gold at Britain in Bloom awards

Harrogate has been awarded a gold medal at the national finals of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition.
A life of service: From military nurse to Principal of a Harrogate school

From the battlefields of the Gulf War to the classrooms of Harrogate Ladies’ College, Principal Joanna Fox’s life has been defined by courage, compassion and a deep sense of service.
Harrogate comedian to return to hometown as part of upcoming tour

Harrogate-born comedian Maisie Adam is set to return to her hometown next year as part of her brand-new UK tour, Whatsherface, which will run throughout 2026.
Swimming instructors visit Harrogate nurseries to teach water safety

Instructors from Harrogate School of Swimming have been visiting nurseries across the area to introduce young children to the basics of water safety.
Charity lunch at Harrogate hotel raises £2,700

A charity lunch held at the Yorkshire Hotel in Harrogate has raised £2,766 for Harrogate Theatre’s 125th anniversary fundraising appeal.
Knaresborough wins regional town crier competition

Knaresborough's town criers won top honours at the recent regional Town Crier Competition.
Details revealed for Ripon Christmas light switch-on

Details have been revealed for Ripon's annual Christmas light switch-on event, organised by Ripon City Council.
Parish poll could cost Ripon taxpayers £20,000, mayor's supporters say

Residents of Ripon have been warned that holding a no-confidence vote in the city's mayor could cost taxpayers up to £20,000.
Council warns man of £38 charge per flag if he puts up any more

A man who put up more than 100 flags around a North Yorkshire market town has been told he will be charged a £38 removal fee per flag if he puts up any more.
Harrogate restaurant shortlisted at national Curry Awards

A Harrogate restaurant has been shortlisted for a national award celebrating the best of the UK's curry industry.
WATCH: Trailer released for Christmas film featuring Knaresborough and Wetherby

An official trailer has been released for an upcoming festive film which was partly filmed in the Harrogate district.
Viral pub crawler returns to Knaresborough pubs

The creator behind The Great British Pub Crawl returned to Knaresborough as part of a long-running national project documenting pubs across the UK.
Coral Windows begins new sponsorship with Harrogate Junior football club

A Harrogate junior football club has gained new support from a regional business, as Coral Windows begins a sponsorship partnership with Pannal Ash Junior Football Club.
Tickets go on sale for Love to Be Festival 2026 in Harrogate

Tickets of popular festival went on sale on 27th October following the pre sale to previous attendees in September.
Allotment in Harrogate sell pumpkins to raise money for community shed

An allotment in Bilton are raising funds to complete a new shed and toilet facility at the Bachelor Gardens allotments.
Mayor of North Yorkshire visits Harrogate company to reduce digital inequality

A Harrogate technology company and a partner charity focused on digital inclusion welcomed the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, as part of a visit centre.
New mental health hub opens in Harrogate

A new mental health hub has opened in Harrogate, providing a modern base for both children’s and adult services in the town.
Stump Cross Cavern shortlisted for People's Choice Award

The much-loved local attraction is celebrating after being named a finalist in the People’s Choice category.