Residents to have their say on solar farm plans

People living close to a planned large-scale solar farm are being invited to attend a series of events to learn more about the proposals and provide feedback.

The proposed Clean Air Solar Farm would be split across two sites near Beverley, East Yorkshire, and produce 500 MW of electricity - enough to power about 160,000 homes, according to its developers PS Renewables and Ørsted Onshore.

Public information days are taking place at Lockington Village Hall on 22 June, Beverley Memorial Hall on 23 June and Walkington Village Hall on 24 June.

An online webinar is also due to take place on 29 June.

Randall Linfoot, from the project team, said the events were an opportunity for people to meet those involved and to ask questions.

"It is an important opportunity for us all to get to know the community better. I encourage anyone interested in the project to join us," he said.

"Following these events, we will run a phase of statutory consultation in the autumn, including further in-person events."

Due to the scale of the project, a decision whether to approve the scheme will be made by the government.

George McManus, spokesperson for campaign group East Riding Against Solar Expansion, urged people to express their opposition.

"This is a nightmare turning into a disaster," he said.

"Beverley will now be completely surrounded by solar farms. The character of the area will change forever. These are long-term proposals which future generations will inherit."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, if approved, the site is expected to be producing electricity by 2033.

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