Planning Solar with Care

As the UK government ramps up its ambition to triple solar power capacity in the next five years, South Yorkshire is fast becoming a focal point in the national debate over clean energy and countryside preservation.

Solar in South Yorkshire

Across South Yorkshire, communities are witnessing a surge in planning applications for solar farms, battery energy storage and an industrial-scale solar farm. And whilst the pursuit of clean energy is important, the scale and placement of these developments are raising significant concerns. Residents of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield are right to ask: is this the future we want for our countryside?

Solar at scale

Some solar projects are deemed nationally significant due to their size and potential energy production. This means that the ultimate decision on whether a development is permitted is taken out of the hands of local councils. Instead of applying to local authorities for planning permission, National Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) developers apply to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) for a Development Consent Order. PINS is responsible for operating the planning process which includes examining an application and writing a report with recommendations to the relevant Secretary of State who then makes a decision on whether or not to grant consent.

One of the most prominent mega solar farm proposals in our region is the Whitestone Solar Farm that would be located in South Yorkshire, between Rotherham and Doncaster. The project is located across three broad areas, Whitestone 1 in the north near Conisbrough, Whitestone 2 in the centre around Ulley and near Todwick and Whitestone 3, in the south near Kiverton, Harthill and Woodall.

The project would connect into the new National Grid substation near Brinsworth. If approved, it could generate up to 750MW, enough to power 250,000 homes or 35 large hospitals.

However, the sheer scale of the proposal raises serious concerns about the long-term impact on the countryside.

Projects of this size often conflict with CPRE’s vision of a thriving and beautiful countryside that enriches all our lives. And as such, mega solar farms are unlikely to be considered acceptable by CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire.

A Rooftop Revolution: The Smarter Path Forward

At CPRE we are firm in our belief: climate change must be addressed and reaching Net Zero is an essential national goal. But industrial-scale solar development across greenfield land isn’t the only option – or even the best way to get there.

Recent research from the University College London, commissioned by CPRE, confirms what communities have long suspected: installing solar panels on suitable rooftops – from homes to warehouses – is not just viable, it’s necessary. Rooftop solar:

• Uses space that already exists
• Cuts transmission losses by generating energy closer to where it’s used
• Empowers communities and businesses directly in the energy transition

The future

At a time when national headlines continue to announce the approval of mega solar farms, the future of our green spaces feels increasingly uncertain. We strongly believe that the transition to clean energy must not come at the cost of the countryside. It’s time for solar with care.