Campaigners have stepped up their efforts against plans to build a huge solar farm which it is claimed will devastate the community. 

Hundreds of people from Bishopton, Great Stainton and the surrounding villages near Darlington and Stockton oppose plans for the large-scale site. 

Stretching from Brafferton, off the A167 near Darlington, to the north east of Bishopton, the Byers Gill Solar Farm is set to generate energy for around 70,000 homes.

“It’s like a bomb has gone off for us. Every aspect of our lives are going to be affected,” said Jacqueline Stephens. 

The Northern Echo: A map of the proposed solar farm A map of the proposed solar farm (Image: RWE)

The six areas outlined for the solar panels are: Brafferton, Hauxley Farm, Byers Gill Wood, Great Stainton, and two near Bishopton. The project will have a lifespan of 40 years, after which the land will be returned to its former state, said applicant RWE. 

Locals began their campaign against the plans in 2022 when they got wind of RWE - then JBM Solar - officials setting up a meeting in the nearby village hall with landowners. Once they looked into the plans more they released “how devastating it will be on our lives and the community”. They say contact with the applicant since then has been limited and criticised the consultation process. “People who live here have not been considered at all,” they argue. 

The campaigners added: “The cumulative effect of putting them all together is devastating. We’re going to be completely surrounded.”

RWE said it understands “the strength of feeling locally” and is committed to “robust public engagements”. It added that the plans have been changed based on feedback. 

Many of the gardens attached to homes in Great Stainton provide a stunning snapshot of the Tees Valley. Roseberry Topping and Redcar can be seen on a clear day, but those views could soon be obstructed by solar panels. 

The Northern Echo:

“We just hate the idea we’re going to be surrounded by black glass and our lives are going to be disrupted and more dangerous,” added Jacqueline. 

The impact the development could have on wildlife and road disruption were also issues raised by the group.

The campaigners pointed to prime minister Rishi Sunak’s recent comments in the House of Commons chamber on solar farms and questioned why the area has been targeted for development.

Mr Sunak said: “We do want to see more solar but on brownfield sites, rooftops and away from our best agricultural land. We must protect our nation’s food security and therefore our most valuable agricultural land.”

While large swathes of nearby greenbelt land have been obtained by developers for solar farms there is still a concern that some residents aren’t aware of what’s happening on their doorsteps. Campaigners have spent the last year and a half rallying residents against the controversial scheme. 

Katherine Kitching, of Great Stainton, added: “So many people outside of this area have no idea what’s happening, what the impact’s going to be, and we feel we need a louder voice to tell people.”

More than 600 people have now backed the campaigners’ appeal, and they continue to spread the word.

Mark Smith said: “We’ve done a door-to-door survey around the villages and the percentage of people against the development is at least 98 per cent. We won’t back down.”

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Michael Baker, Project Manager for Byers Gill Solar said: “The approach taken to the design of the project has been shaped and influenced by the local landscape, and with local communities and their enjoyment of the local area in mind. 

“The height of the solar PV modules has been reduced, construction access routes have been altered in line with feedback, and we have moved back the solar panel further from residential properties.”

The solar farm proposal will be determined by the Government at a later date. Full details of the plans can be viewed here and public responses can be submitted here.