Green light for Worksop solar farm

A solar farm proposed for a site in Worksop which has the potential to power thousands of homes has been green lit.Harmony OB sought planning permission for a facility on an approximately 118.1-acre site comprising a large field and part of a field to the north of Rayton Lane.The site is set within the wider setting of the grade II*-listed Osberton Hall, the Osberton Hall & Scofton Hall Unregistered Park & Garden and a series of grade II structures and features.The solar farm will produce up to 34MW of renewable energy, capable of saving just over 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per annum, meeting the equivalent annual electricity needs of approximately 11,100 homes.Its operational lifespan is 40 years plus six months to account for construction and decommissioning.A report drawn up for Bassetlaw District Council’s planning committee said: “There is an urgent and compelling need for the generation of renewable energy in the UK.”Solar energy forms a significant part of the contribution towards the UK becoming carbon Net Zero, with wind and solar providing the predominant contributor to the UK’s electricity.”This approach reflects wider government policy and guidance which is designed to address the potential impacts of climate change, to ensure energy security, economic growth, and the reduction in using natural gas to heat properties.”