The site sits just within the East Riding Council boundaries
The proposed solar farm would be built to the east of Hull(Image: Press Association Images)
Councillors have discussed plans for a 49.9MW solar farm east of Hull. The proposed 64 hectare project would be south of Bilton.
The site of the application sits within the East Riding‘s jurisdiction and as a result, was discussed in Beverley. The application was called-in to the committee by Preston Parish Council following concerns regarding a breed of bird in the area.
The project, dubbed Neat Marsh Solar, would last 50 years. As the scheme is under 50MW, the decision rests with the council itself. Larger solar farms, such as the proposed ‘Clean Air Solar Farm’ near Beverley, are designated as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), which cannot be refused by the council, with the final decision resting with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The agent for the application spoke at the meeting. He said: “The site is owned by Hull Trinity House Maritime charity, so rental from the solar farm will lead directly into the charity to fund its work in the local area.” The agent also explained that the tenancy of the existing tenant is coming to an end naturally, who is set to relocate other farmland.
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A council report recommended planning committee members defer the application ahead of delegated approval being granted once a legal agreement had been made regarding biodiversity net gain. The delegated approval would also be subject to the completion of a legal agreement with Humberside Airport.
Councillors did indeed vote in line with the recommendations, by 8 votes to 2. However many raised concerns during the meeting, mainly about the wider planning process. A sense of apathy towards to process was on display in the meeting, with phrases such as “there’s nothing we can do about it”, and “our influence is fairly limited,” being heard from committee members.
Regarding the application itself, concern was raised about the cumulative impact of solar farms as north of the application site there is an existing solar farm. Similarly, plans have been approved for a further solar farm to the east of the application site.
When asked why so many solar farms are set to be in one place, a council planning officer explained: “It’s all to do with grid connections. There’s only so many places where grid connections can be achieved.”
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