The proposal for a solar farm covering an area equivalent to 70 football pitches in Calthwaite, near Penrith, has sparked significant local opposition. High Rigg Solar Limited has submitted plans to Westmorland and Furness Council, aiming to convert agricultural land into a solar energy facility. While the developer argues that this initiative is crucial for meeting renewable energy targets to combat climate change, residents express serious concerns regarding the loss of valuable farmland, potential harm to wildlife, and the overall impact on the local landscape.
Residents have submitted numerous objections to the council. Key issues raised include the classification of the land as good agricultural land, the proximity to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and concerns over the scale of the development overshadowing the surrounding countryside. A Calthwaite resident articulated fears that once fertile fields are converted to solar panels, they cannot be restored to their original state. The developer contends that the site consists of lower-grade land and claims it is an ideal location for solar energy development to achieve national goals.
Further concerns include the impact of heightened traffic during construction, as stated by Skelton Parish Council, which also supports renewable energy principles but finds the proposed scale excessive. As public consultation continues, the council is expected to make a decision by September 18, amid ongoing debates weighing agricultural preservation against the urgent need for renewable energy solutions in the face of climate change.
