Concerned residents have questioned whether rural roads near Darlington could cope with extra traffic while a solar farm is built. 

A public hearing into plans for the proposed Byers Gill Solar Farm was told flooding in the area is a “severe problem” on the local road network. 

The concerns were raised during the first day of the event by the Government Planning Inspectorate to discuss plans for the solar farm between Darlington and Stockton. 

Stretching from Brafferton, off the A167 near Darlington, to the north east of Bishopton, the solar site would generate energy for around 70,000 homes.

However, residents opposing the proposal said it would devastate local communities and farmland. 

Planning officials were told the applicant RWE had only conducted a “desktop assessment” of the flooding and traffic issues. 

A proposed plan of the Byers Gill Solar Farm A proposed plan of the Byers Gill Solar Farm (Image: RWE)

Bishopton resident Peter Wood told the Darlington hearing: “We are fully aware of the actuality of the flooding and drainage issues around our village. For many years, flooding has been a severe problem on the roads into and out of our village. The village is served by six public highways and four of these flood on a regular basis, including last week. 

“When these flood they often become impassable for vehicles. It is a regular sight to see non-locals having to abandon their cars in the floods. 

“RWE has only carried out a desktop assessment, computer modelling, and a brief visit to asses the flooding issues in our area.”

The six areas outlined for the solar panels are Brafferton, Hauxley Farm, Byers Gill Wood, Great Stainton, and two near Bishopton. The project would have a lifespan of 40 years.

Up to 300 employees are estimated to be on-site during the construction phase of the proposed development, which is estimated to take between one and two years. 

Developer RWE added: “It is expected that staff trips will arrive before peak times in the morning and evening due to the proposed working hours. Car parking for construction workers will be provided within the site compound. 

“Once the solar farm is operational, it will not generate any significant traffic movements, with security and maintenance staff the only likely regular visitors.”

RWE said traffic surveys conducted in 2023 showed that routes within the study area are generally “lightly trafficked”. 

However, residents questioned that assumption, and said data shows 461,199 vehicles used Elstob Lane - one of the area’s most popular routes - between May and October 2023. Residents also warned of cars parking in lanes and obstructing traffic. 

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Colin Taylor, chairman of the Great Stainton Parish Meeting, said: “While I respect ‘lightly trafficked’ might be a relative term, it certainly doesn’t feel lightly trafficked. 

But RWE said the proposed development would not result in any significant effects on the transport network during the construction, operation, or decommissioning phases.

The public hearing continues on Wednesday.