East Midlands residents oppose plans for one of Britain’s biggest solar farms

The Great North Road Solar Park would put panels on 1,600 hectares of land north-west of Newark, which is the equivalent of around 3,000 football pitches. 

Just 16% of the 275 locals who responded in a recent consultation backed it, according to figures released last week, Newark Advertiser reported. 

A quarter said they could support it with changes, while 54 % of local residents were against the plans. 

READ MORE: ‘Insane’ plans for huge solar farm in Kent rejected 

Countryside to be taken up by panels 

Elements Green, who stands behind the solar farm, said that the development would power around 400,000 homes and prevent the release of around 250,000 tonnes of CO2. 

Plans promise to carefully hide panels behind hedges, with 50,000 new trees planted, and to increase biodiversity. 

The Great North Road project has stirred opposition in Kelham, one of the villages whose nearby countryside would be taken up by panels, media outlets report. 

Resident Dave Green told Newark Advertiser: “We’re not trying to be NIMBYs” – people who say ‘Not In My Backyard’ to local developments. 

“But it’s not great for the wildlife and the general environment. It will fundamentally change the view as we’re driving around or walking a dog. None of the village is happy about it.” 

A woman who lives close to proposed panels said: “Climate change can’t be stopped with just solar farms. Why is the UK spearheading this to our detriment when America and China are still polluting on a huge scale? 

“We could be spending this money cleaning up the oceans where we can have a real impact. It’s going to end up as a white elephant. It’s a bit of a waste of time.” 

The Great North Road scheme will also be submitted to the secretary of state for approval in 2025, following a further round of consultation this autumn. 

Read more rural news.