Whittonstall

Residents of Whittonstall and Stocksfield and other affected communities have been responding to Exagen’s published Consultation Response document uploaded onto the Northumberland County Councils website on December 20th 2023.

This document details the measures they have taken and their response to the large number of statutory consultee and public comments expressed following publication of their initial planning submission for a Solar farm at Highfield and associated battery storage system, (BESS) at Apperley Dene. Concerns are many and wide-ranging however most of the changes detailed in this document are minor and some are simply dismissed. One of the most significant and serious concerns is the proposed location and design of the Northern site on which the BESS and new substation will be located. The location is unsuitable for many reasons including geography, topography, access for emergency vehicles, proximity to ancient woodland and on Green Belt land. Exagen state it is the only option when in fact it is simply the most convenient option with its close proximity to a connection to the power grid.  Indeed, the footprint is larger in this version thus increasing the impact on the green belt.

Despite Exagens statement in this paper January 17 2024, they have not addressed the points raised previously by Northumberland Fire and rescue and their revised plan does not comply with National Fire Chiefs Council guidance.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue service consultee response 9th January 2024 states: “The Department for Levelling up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) encourages applicants to engage with local Fire & Rescue Services prior to any application being submitted. To date, no engagement or direct contact has been made. The site layout does not provide two independent access routes as recommended in NFCC (National Fire Chiefs council) guidance”.

Whittonstall residents are very aware of the need for and are supportive of renewable energy schemes which are well planned, properly consulted, appropriately located and designed to mitigate harm. Evidence of this can be seen as we co-exist in partnership with the Boundary Lane and Kiln Pit Hill windfarms. The Highfield Solar Farm scheme however has engendered huge opposition locally and in neighboring County Durham who fear none of those qualities apply to this application. Our community urges all interested parties to review the documentation on NCC planning portal and make up your own mind about this important proposal,

Please check out Whittonstall Community Group’s Facebook page for more information about up and coming events and the latest news.