Plans for large solar farm to go on display
Getty ImagesResidents in East Yorkshire are being invited to have their say on plans for a large solar farm.
Energy developer Statkraft said the 500MW Mylen Leah Solar Farm could generate enough electricity to power up to 180,000 homes.
It would be located on and around the former airfield at Melbourne, near Pocklington.
As part of the public consultation process, the plans will be on show in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor Village Hall on Thursday, Melbourne Village Hall on 6 May and Bubwith Leisure Centre on 7 May.
There would also be a number of online webinars, the company said.
The development would be near the villages of Seaton Ross, Melbourne, Laytham, Ellerton, East Cottingwith and Foggathorpe.
Due to the size of the proposed development, it has been declared a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning planning permission would be decided by the national Planning Inspectorate, rather than the local council.
Matt Simpson, senior solar project manager, said: "We're pleased to have the opportunity to share further details about Mylen Leah Solar Farm and look forward to speaking to local people as we finalise our proposals."
He said in addition to "delivering greater energy security", the solar farm would provide opportunities for local businesses, as well as a community benefit fund for investment in local projects and initiatives.
It comes after plans for another large-scale solar farm on land around Gribthorpe, Spaldington, Wressle and Howden - were approved last year, with opponents voicing concerns about the industrialisation of the area.
Revised plans for a solar farm near Beverley have also been announced.
Spaldington resident Alison Taylor, 68, said: "It will completely change the face of the countryside around here.
"They are going to turn it into an industrial landscape."
She said she also had little faith in the consultation process.
"It's all a big tick box exercise on behalf of the government," she added.
Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.
Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices
