A new solar farm will be built in County Durham despite a warning that it will “devastate” the countryside.
Bluefield Development Limited’s proposal to build the 158-acre site at Bluestone Farm, near Cockfield in County Durham, was approved by Durham County Council's planning committee on Thursday.
The electricity generated is due to be enough to meet the energy needs of around 13,000 homes each year.
Located on the site of a former deep coal mine, construction is expected to take nine months. At the end of the 40 year operational period the site will be fully decommissioned and restored to its existing use.
Yet, five objections were submitted as part of the planning process. Residents said the solar farm’s impact on the village and natural landscape would be devastating and the site would not be able to recover into its natural state.
Cllr John Higgins recently visited the site and said it has a “really good, scenic view that you can see for miles”. He added: “I cannot support this application, it’s going to devastate the landscape and countryside.”
But Bluefield Development said the land is substantially screened from Cockfield and Cockfield Fell by existing woodland and there would be no loss of agricultural land.
Jonathan Selwyn, managing director, told the meeting: “We have pledged a sum of at least £400,000 for local community projects. This includes renewable energy and energy efficiency projects at both Lands Village Hall and Butterknowle Primary School.”
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And the bid was backed by nine letters of support, which said the solar farm would help provide renewable energy for the local community.
Cllr Patricia Jopling added: “I really don’t think this is going to make a huge difference. The community benefit is very welcome.”
The majority of members voted to approve the application.
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