The Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee has recently made a significant decision in favor of Banks Renewables' 49MW Common Farm solar energy park. This exciting project is set to be established on a vast 116-hectare site situated to the west of the Todwick Road Industrial Estate in Dinnington.
In addition to the solar energy park, the development will also include a cutting-edge 50MW battery storage facility. This facility will be directly connected to the Thurcroft electricity substation, located approximately three kilometers north of the site. Such an innovative integration promises to enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of the energy network in the region.
The planning committee's approval of this venture, with a majority vote of eight to one, marks a significant milestone. The planning application will now proceed to the next stage, where it will be referred to the Secretary of State for final consideration.
Jamilah Hassan, the community relations manager at The Banks Group, expressed her satisfaction with the committee's decision. She stated, “Having received a favorable recommendation from Rotherham Council's expert planning officers, we are delighted that the council's planning committee members have chosen to endorse their advice.”
Furthermore, Hassan highlighted the positive response the project has garnered from the local community over the past year. It is clear that many individuals appreciate the various benefits that the Common Farm Solar Energy Park will bring, including the environmental advantages, improved energy security, and the positive impact on the local community.
With the approval from the planning committee and the anticipation of the Secretary of State's final decision, the Common Farm solar energy park project is poised to contribute significantly to the region's sustainable energy goals. The combination of solar power generation and battery storage demonstrates an innovative approach to meeting the area's energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.
