Village solar farm nears green light

A solar farm proposed for agricultural land in a Nottinghamshire village could soon be green lit.GSI Brecks has brought forward proposals for land to the north of Brick Yard Road in Gamston.The site extends to approximately 93.3 acres and comprises of five fields.Plans comprise a solar farm with a potential output of 45.4MW of electricity, along with associated works including substations, inverter house, access tracks and security fencing.The operational lifespan of the proposed solar farm is 40 years plus six months to account for construction and decommissioning.A report drawn up for Bassetlaw District Council – whose planning committee meets on 13 September – 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.”