BIG NEW SOLAR ENERGY PARK NEAR BRIGG COULD GENERATE 'GREEN' ELECTRICITY FOR 11.550 HOMES

A big solar farm is planned near Brigg and designed to generate sufficient 'green' electricity from the sun's rays to meet the annual needs of 11,550 households.
However, a number of people living near the proposed site are unhappy about the scheme proposed for approximately 45 hectares (111 acres) of agricutural land.
The location is south and east of Edlington House Farm, Church Lane, Cadney - 3.5km south of Brigg, 3.5km east of Hibaldstow and 2km west of Howsham.
The company behind the scheme has submitted details to North Lincolnshire Council which made them public and offered people the opportunity to express their views.
However, this is NOT a formal planning application; OPDENERGY UK Ltd has made what is known as a Screening Opinion request to our local planning authority "in order to confirm whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be necessary for a planning application seeking planning permission for the development of a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Farm for the purposes of commercial electricity generation, on farmland southeast of Cadney, Brigg, North Lincolnshire, DN20 9HR."
The consultation period ends today (Thursday, April 8).
In a statement submitted to North Lincolnshire Council the company says the development is for a solar energy farm of up to 42,000 MW, including the provision of a secure connection to the national grid network.
As required by the regulations, the firm's screening request outlines "the potential impacts of the proposed solar array, during both construction and operation."
Under the heading "Traffic" it says construction will take between five and six months, depending on weather conditions.
The development is for a renewable energy scheme that will contribute to the district’s energy requirements, providing the electricity needs of approximately 11,550 homes' annual usage.
In terms of "Visual Impact" the site "is well screened from the handful of surrounding residential properties."
The council has so far received 18 comments from the public (some people submitting more than one).
Views expressed make reference to the loss of agricultural land, the size and scale of the development, vehicles visiting and leaving the site during construction and the potential impact on the lives of local residents, wildlife and birds.
Some people say that, in principle, they support solar power, but one asks: "Does it have to be so close to such a small village?"
North Lincolnshire Council will now consider its response to the screening option request under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017.

PICTURED: Solar panels on Barnard Avenue bungalows in Brigg. OPDENERGY UK Ltd says its Cadney renewable energy scheme  "will contribute to the District’s energy requirements, providing the electricity needs of approximately 11,550 homes' annual usage."