Whitestone solar application could go for minister's decision in the spring
A timetable has been set out for the long-running Whitestone solar planning application
A timetable has been set out for the controversial Whitestone solar farm proposal, with a recommendation due to go to the Government in April.
The process starts with a preliminary hearing, organised by the Planning Inspectorate, the Government body which will ultimately advise the Government with a recommendation on whether or not to allow the scheme.
It would cover large tracts of open land with solar panels and energy infrastructure, which objectors argue would change communities.
Rebecca Norman has been appointed as lead member of the Examining Authority which will provide evidence on the case to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, along with Craig Loughlin and Helen van Willegen.
Those deemed to have an interest will be invited to attend the meeting, on November 11, where EA members will listen to views on how Whitestone’s application should be examined by them.
They have explained in a letter to interested parties: “The preliminary meeting is not an opportunity for you to give your views about what you like or don’t like about the application.
“The merits and disadvantages of the application will only be considered once the examination starts, which is after the preliminary meeting has closed.
“All relevant and important mattes will be taken into account wen we make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who will take the final decision in this case.”
Whitestone’s proposals cover three sites, taking in parts of Rotherham and Doncaster, including Conisbrough and a swathe of villages.
The preliminary meeting will focus on the process of the examination - how the panel will work through their evidence and formulate the recommendation they will make.
Two other meetings, on environmental matters, will be held on the following days, November 11 and 12.
Further hearings are scheduled through the winter, with the examination set to close in early April - when a recommendation will be made by the minister.
Three MPs with constituencies affected by the plans, Sarah Champion for Rotherham, Jake Richards for Rother Valley and John Healey for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, have raised concerns about the scale of the proposals.
Whitestone have made substantial reductions to their original plans, following consultations, but objectors believe they are still too large.
The counter-argument is that such developments are needed to provide the ‘green’ energy and self-sufficiency the country needs.