Supporters say the solar farm will generate a low-cost source of energy for thousands of homes.

An application for a new solar energy farm on green belt is to be considered by Barnsley councillors, following objections from residents.

The application is for the installation of a photovoltaic farm, known as a solar farm, with the infrastructure, engineering works, access and landscaping.

Enviromena Project Management UK Ltd has applied for the site east and west of Engine Lane, Grimethorpe, Barnsley, for a temporary period of 40 years.

The solar energy farm proposed will have a generating capacity of up to 49.9MW, and will help power over 25,000 homes.

In 2019, the council pledged to act in response to climate change, introducing targets to reduce council-operational emissions by 2040, and reduce borough-wide by 2045.

Cudworth ward councillors submitted a joint objection with concerns around loss of valuable agricultural land, impact on visual amenity, and the closeness to Milefield Primary School.

A letter from MP for Barnsley North, Dan Jarvis, was received, with concerns for wildlife, noise disruption, traffic and road safety.

48 objections and five letters of support were received at first, with 17 objections and 206 letters of support following a re-consultation with local residents.

Supporters of the solar farm point to the benefits of a low-cost source of energy, a major investment in the local economy, and helping to save over 14,000 tons of CO2, helping to meet local and national climate targets.

The application is to be considered by councillors at a planning meeting on July 14, 2026.