Fear solar farm would harm countryside views near Darlington

A public hearing in Darlington for the proposed Byers Gill Solar Farm heard from several people living in Great Stainton and Bishopton against the plans. 

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.

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.

The Government Planning Inspectorate is considering RWE’s application for the solar farm due to its proposed size. 

On Wednesday, residents warned the proposed site would be so close to people’s homes that the panels could not be “effectively mitigated with screening”. 

Bishopton resident Alan Pilkington urged the developer to relocate the proposed site. He said: “Why choose this location? Why not put it somewhere more appropriate? 

“I live close to Castle Hill - an ancient monument in a prominent position - where in Medieval times an enemy could be spotted from afar and the residents would gather for protection. Some things don’t change that much. 

Earthworks of motte and bailey castle at Bishopton. (Image: DAVID SIMPSON)

“It has a 360 panorama view of English countryside. If this proposal goes ahead 272 degrees will fall under a black sheen of solar panels.”

Another objector disputed RWE’s preference for the large-scale site and warned of the impact it would have on the surrounding area. 

They said: “The location of Byers Gill is based on the willingness of landowners to lease their land and the proximity of the substation in Norton. Back in May 2023, when we first learned of the development, a member of RWE at Bishopton Village Hall told us a circle of 10 metres was drawn around Norton substation, and sites for the panels were looked for. 

“Does this really suggest that good design principles have been adhered to? 

“One of the reports I read from Darlington Borough Council consultant their conclusion was that looking at the area the undulating topography presented a challenging landscape in which to locate a solar farm. The development would be highly visible from elevated land and visibility on local ridges would also be evident with a large variation in reflective light caused by the undulating solar panels.”

The public hearing was told the plans, first drawn up in October 2022, have caused prolonged anxiety and stress for residents. 

A legal representative for RWE said it is listening to local concerns and is considering mitigation measures. 

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A statement earlier this year read: “We have listened to views and opinions and have made changes to the development by reducing panel areas, increasing mitigation measures such as using planting to screen the solar panels, and recently removing proposals for the cable route to use the High Street running through Bishopton Village.”

But some residents are unconvinced. 

Peter Wood, of Bishopton, told the hearing: “The applicant says they’re not willing to reduce panel areas to keep power generation levels, so does that simply mean their profit-earning potential outweighs our rights, our lifestyle, and our amenity values?”

Planning inspectors overseeing the hearing are due to write a recommendation report following the two-day hearing, which will be sent to the government within three months.