A backlash against plans for a major solar farm in West Cumbria has forced developers to postpone applying for planning permission.
The proposed solar farm would cover 200 acres of land near Egremont – making it one of the UK’s biggest solar farms.
Known as Cobra Castle Solar Farm, it would sit between the town and Wilton and would operate for around 40 years, Bristol-based developers Belltown Power said.
The plans were initially met with outrage on social media, with many voicing concerns about the solar farm impacting the view of Dent Fell and the fell itself, which overlooks Egremont, Wilton and surrounding areas.
A Save Dent Fell group has also been set up on social media, which claimed it was aiming to preserve the fell for future generations.
It said is supports renewable energy, but not at the cost of heritage, landscape and the community’s connection to Dent Fell.
But after a community engagement event took place yesterday, Thursday April 3, in Egremont Market Hall, the firm has now said it is shifting project timescales back in response to feedback it has received so far.
Some people claimed the event was not comprehensive enough and that only 100 consultation forms were available, meaning that many were left unable to fill in a form.
People were also given sticky notes to share their views on the plans, with some writing ‘Build it at Bristol’, ‘Absolutely not’, ‘Go away’, ‘We are not for sale’ and ‘Leave our fell alone’.
Egremont Town Council said it had spoken to the developer, which said extra time was needed to fully understand and respond to the comments it was receiving on the plans.
The initial consultation was set to close on Sunday April 13 – but people are being told to expect another round of consultation to take place.
While the firm was initially aiming to submit a planning application to Cumberland Council in late spring/early summer, Belltown Power said it was now working towards a submission later in the year.
The company said: “We are now working towards a submission later in the year, with a second round of consultation expected to take place before we submit.
“We are looking forward to communicating this to residents at the event.”
The firm said if it was given the go-ahead, it would provide a community benefit and education fund of £680,000 over the lifetime of the project.
It added the funding would help support local initiatives such as rooftop solar panels on community buildings or conservation projects, as well as funding for local primary schools to visit the sites and hold classroom workshops.
It said the solar farm would include enhanced landscaping including hedgerows will both screen the site and provide habitats for animals. New stream habitats and wildflower meadows would support pollinators, alongside insect hotels and bird boxes.
The consultation can still be accessed online here.
People should have also received a letter and feedback form in the post.
