As many of you are aware, there is a recent proposal for a solar farm development that will cover parts of Rother Valley’s countryside. This week, I met with the developers to find out more about the proposal, which is still at a very early stage. The proposal is not finalised and there has been no application to the Secretary of State.

However, even at this early juncture I’m really concerned about this project. Whilst we need local energy infrastructure, the sheer scale of what is currently being proposed and the location of some of the sites is worrying. The application is not for me to allow or refuse, but I want to shape it and put pressure on the company to ensure it is done right, if it has to be done. This means we need to protect local green spaces, minimise disruption and invest in the local area.

A bit more about what I learnt:

Who are the developers?

Green Nation are one of the largest developers of rooftop solar installations and operate ground-mounted solar farms, with 75 solar farms nationally. Net Zero One Ltd are a specialist development business to allow the funding of larger projects, like Whitestone Solar Farm.

Consultation:

As of now, Whitestone tell me they have distributed 30,000 leaflets and have visited 27 households within close perimeter of the proposal to speak with them individually. They are running a range of consultation events, with a second consultation next year. I would encourage as many residents as possible to attend the initial consultation events:

• Tuesday 3rd December (NOW), 2-6pm, Harthill Village Hall

• Wednesday 4th December, 2-6pm, Consort Hotel, Thurcroft

• Thursday 5th December, 10am-2pm, Ulley Village Hall

• Tuesday 14th January, 2-6pm, Consort Hotel, Thurcroft

In addition to this, I will be reaching out to residents whose property is in close proximity to the proposal in the New Year. Alternatively, you can get in touch with me if you would like to discuss the proposal by emailing jake.richards.mp@parliament.uk

Why Rother Valley’s countryside?

The solar farm would produce 750mw of energy and connect to National Grid’s Brinsworth Substation with underground cables. Given the proximity of the substation to open space in Rother Valley, Whitestone has identified this area as suitable for a project of this scale. They also stated that the land identified within the initial proposal is low-yielding farmland.

At this stage, the level of any disruption to our villages and towns they say is not known. Further assessments and plans will be required.

The application process:

The plan would be submitted through a Development Consent Order to the Planning Inspectorate, who will review the application on behalf of the Secretary of State. The proposal will eventually include Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to store extra energy until it is needed. Locations for BESS units will be determined by noise and technical assessments and have not been decided yet.

Timescale:

The developers will be conducting a second round of consultation in Autumn 2025, with a Development Consent Order submitted in Spring 2026, awaiting approval by the Secretary of State in the Summer of 2027. Construction would begin in 2027 and Whitestone Solar Farm would be connected to the National Grid in 2029.

I am keen to hear from as many residents about this, so please do complete the survey below. I know that this will be a worry for some. I get it. It’s my job to make sure your voice is heard: by the developer and the Secretary of State as and when any decision is made.

We have time. The process remains lengthy – so I will be working with residents and others on this over coming weeks, months and years.