Object to New Hall Solar Plant Planning Application

Cumulative Effect and Visual Impact

New Hall solar plant will be the third of four solar farms that exist or are planned for the area. These are Low Farm behind the mining museum, HMP New Hall, New Hall Farm and now Haigh/Woolley. These will be clearly visible across the surrounding area, causing a negative visual impact. to many.

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Green Belt, Agricultural (Best Most Versatile) Land

135 acres of land would be lost. This is entirely within the green belt and productive and predominately valuable grade 2 and 3a land. Planning policy states energy security should not happen at the cost of food security.

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Landscape Character and Loss of Amenity

Solar farms are not only panels, but include many other significant structures that will bring significant urbanising impact. They will impact the openness and tranquility of the beautiful rural countryside and its public rights of way and bridleways.

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Footpaths and Bridleways

The proposed area incorporates a number of frequently used public footpaths and bridleways, both through it and around its perimeter. Your everyday walk, run, ramble, or hack with the horse will not be the same with high fences, CCTV cameras and lighting replacing the beautiful far reaching views.

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Nature, SSSI, SAC and Ancient Woodland

Adjacent to the ancient woodlands within the Coxley Valley, dating back to the 1600’s, and incorporating a Site of Special Scientific Interest at Denby Grange Colliery Ponds, (Wakefield’s only Special Area of Conservation, and the sixth largest in Great Britain), the area is abundant with character.

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Heritage

Our area is rich with heritage, from tours by the National Coal Mining Museum to scheduled monuments such as the Flockton Wagonway Tunnel.

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Flooding

Potential for increased run-off into the Coxley Valley, possibly leading to flooding in Horbury Bridge and beyond.