'Destructive' solar farm bid is considered by inspectors

FEARS OVER LOSS OF COUNTRYSIDE

- By JOE LOCKER

PLANS for a solar farm covering the area of 2,800 football pitches have taken a step forward, sparking fears over the “destruction of our beautiful countryside”.

Government inspectors are considering plans for the One Earth solar farm for the south of Dunham-on-Trent, near East Markham in Nottinghamshire, and stretching over the Lincolnshire border. It would be in the borders of West Lindsey, Bassetlaw and Newark and Sherwood districts.

PS Renewables and Danish energy company Ørsted are behind the development, which could generate up to 740MW of electricity, enough to power more than 200,000 homes.

Due to its size, it has been categorised as a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP), which means the application will be will ruled on by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, rather than the local councils, after an examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

The examination began earlier this month and is expected to last six months.