PLANS for a solar farm near Sherburn-in-Elmet will be unveiled to residents this evening.

Lightsource Renewable Energy, the UK’s leading solar energy generator, hopes to be able to generate energy for about 1,300 homes through the proposed scheme on land at Ash Row Farm.

Initial plans for the site will be displayed at a community information evening at Sherburn-in-Elmet Aerodrome in New Lennerton Lane from 5.30pm until 8pm.

A spokesman said Lightsource hoped to draw on local knowledge to help shape the plans to ensure they were the best fit for the surrounding community.

“The company is inviting residents, schools and wildlife enthusiasts to share their ideas for the new solar farm before the plans are submitted to Selby District Council,” he said.

He claimed that as well as providing a source of clean energy, the solar farm could also become a haven for wildlife through a bespoke biodiversity management plan.

“Ash Row Farm currently has beekeeping on site and Lightsource are working closely with the landowner to ensure that the design of the solar farm will accommodate this,” he said.

“A pollen-rich seed mix will be sown around the solar farm boundaries to provide nectar sources for honey-bees and other pollinators. All trees and hedgerows around the solar farm site will be retained and enhancements such as bird boxes and ‘insect hotels’ will bring a boost to local wildlife.”

Conor McGuigan, planning and development director at Lightsource, said the farm would bring many benefits and opportunities on top of the safe, clean energy it generated.

The spokesman said Lightsource would plant new trees and bolster existing hedgerow to reduce potential views from some properties to the south and the B1222, and while the solar farm was being installed, a traffic-management plan would be put in place to avoid disruption.

“Deliveries to the site during installation will not pass through Sherburn across Cawood Bridge,” he said.

Residents wishing to view the initial proposal in more detail can visit the Planning Portal at
lightsource-re.co.uk, click “In-House Planning” and type the site name “Ash Row” into the search box. An online feedback form is also available on the page.