Newark and Sherwood District Council give views on Elements Green’s proposal for Great North Solar and Biodiversity Park in north of Newark

Concerned councillors have warned that the approval of one of the UK’s largest solar farms being built in Newark would see the ‘casting aside’ of good farmland.

Developers Elements Green launched Phase Two Statutory Public Consultation into Great North Solar and Biodiversity Park back in January, which ends today (Thursday February 20).

The plans would see about 1.5m panels built on farmland surrounding villages around Newark, with battery energy storage systems with the potential to generate enough power for 400,000 homes.

Due to its scale, it is considered a ‘nationally significant infrastructure project’ so a Development Consent Order will be decided by Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.

Feedback received from the first round of consultation in 2024 has already led to changes to the plans, including the addition of more biodiversity measures to enhance wildlife in the area, such as planting 50,000 trees, and thousands of sheep will be allowed to graze the fields where the solar panels are installed.

Newark and Sherwood District Council heard an update on the consultation at the planning committee meeting on Thursday (February 13), where they were able to give their views on the plans as part of the council’s response.

Chairman Andy Freeman said that while he was becoming aware that agricultural land was being snapped up for solar farms such as these, which was a real concern, he understood why farmers were taking the opportunity:

“Sometimes their [farmers] production capabilities rely on the weather, but this is money in their hands,” he said.

“We’re a hub for this kind of thing but it’s important that as councillors, we are a voice for the residents as they clearly have a problem with this, irrespective of it being sustainable.

“My main concern is they [the applicant] shouldn’t be building on land that produces the best crops and the best food and [we must consider] the impact this will have with us having two in this area.”

Simon Forde questioned the benefits of hosting a solar farm that would benefit the nation, but provide little for Newark and Sherwood:

“We’re going to be a host for an energy supply that will benefit the whole country and I’m not sure what benefit there is for us.

“I’m aware of the amount of amenity people will lose and I’ve heard of little pay-offs like village hall roofs being replaced, and I feel they are trying to buy us off with little trinkets.

“This is a 40 year project and what we need is a huge investment to improve our water management and flood resilience.”

Chairman Mr Freeman added that if this were approved, they would be “casting aside” good farming land for 40 years.

Matt Lamb pointed out that the applicant can issue a community fund to the areas involved, but he was exercising caution as there was no way to secure said funds.

Mr Freeman summed up by saying that it sometimes felt as though the council was “shouting into the void”:

“Hopefully somewhere we get listened to, as it can feel that we’re shouting into the void so God knows how residents feel.”