Plans for controversial solar farm 'cut corners'

The consultation process for a new solar farm which has attracted local objections has "cut corners", according to an MP.

John Healey, Labour MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, said Green Nation, the developers behind the scheme in Doncaster and Rotherham, failed to hold enough consultation events with residents.

Healey said three separate consultations should have been held for its three proposed sites on land around Conisbrough, Ulley and Harthill with Woodall - to be collectively known as Whitestone.

His comments came as the proposals moved to a pre-examination stage, after the Planning Inspectorate approved the plans. A lengthy planning process has now started.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the former defence secretary said the lack of consultations by Green Nation was to reduce costs and "lump" three discussions together.

He said: "The areas are different, the questions are different and the details are different.

"They have cut corners and I think failed to meet the requirements the legislation sets out for standards of consultation.

"The information they have provided to residents is incomplete and the scheme as it has stood is outsized and out of place."

Healey has since asked the government's chief planning inspector to review the consultation.

"They have run one, single consultation for three separate schemes, each of which is large enough in its own right to qualify as a nationally significant infrastructure project."

A spokesperson for Whitestone Solar Farm said the three areas would be connected by underground cables.

"Because there is a single connection point into the grid, the three parts of the project could not operate independently, and must be considered a single development for planning purposes.

"We have fulfilled all of the requirements for consultation and gone above and beyond to provide meaningful opportunities to engage with local communities."

Green Nation said the design of the proposed solar farm had changed in response to two rounds of consultation over the last two years. It initially hoped to build on an area covering 3,500 acres (5.5 sq miles).

The solar areas have been "reduced substantially" to give more space to nearby homes, footpaths and "environmentally sensitive" areas, a statement said.

They said plans now include 458 hectares of land set aside for wildlife, along with over 14km (8.6 miles) of footpaths.

Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Green Nation, said reaching pre-examination stage was an "important milestone".

"It is crucial for the UK that large renewables projects such as Whitestone can be progressed as quickly as possible.

"Whitestone would make a significant contribution to national energy targets, helping to reduce energy costs, increase energy security and fight against climate change."

The development since attracted criticism from residents and local authorities.

Doncaster and Rotherham councils have both objected and Rother Valley MP Jake Richards said he would fight the application "tooth and nail" on behalf of his constituents.

All three Whitestone sites are deemed to be one nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP), which means it is a major project requiring sign-off from a government minister rather than a local authority.

Residents are now encouraged to share their views on the proposals at the pre-examination stage.

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