Rotherham MP "urging as many people as possible" to sign up in opposition of Whitestone Solar Farm
“I will do everything I can to stop this project – which is too vast in scale and would damage our beautiful area”
An MP is urging his constituents to sign up and share their thoughts on Whitestone Solar Farm as the Planning Inspectorate continueS to review the massive project.
Rother Valley MP Jake Richards has reaffirmed his opposition to the sprawling South Yorkshire solar farm development after a number of public meetings over the summer to discuss the next stage of the plans.
He said that his constituent’s feelings are “crystal clear” and has written to the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero to raise their concerns
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“I oppose Whitestone. I will do everything I can to stop this project – which is too vast in scale and would damage our beautiful area,” the Labour MP added.
“ I have now registered as an interested party with the Planning Inspectorate so that I can continue to have my say throughout the next stages of the planning process.
“Moving forward the only way to raise objections in the planning process is to register as interested party. The deadline to do this is 11.59pm next Friday, September 11. I am urging as many people as possible to sign up.
“We need to work together to oppose the project. We are far more powerful when campaigning as a united force.
“I will hold further public meetings over the coming months and will continue to work with local groups such as the Whitestone Warriors, and my colleagues, John Healy MP and Sarah Champion MP, to ensure our collective voices are heard.”
If approved, Whitestone Solar Farm would be active for 60 years and is designed to power about 250,000 homes.
As part of his opposition, Richards has also submitted a letter to the Planning Inspectorate, in which he wrote: “To be clear, I am opposing this project.”
The letter raises concerns with how local infrastructure is not prepared to accommodate the 3,500 acres solar farm, and that it would lead to a loss of agricultural land.
“I feel the burden placed on Rother Valley is unfair and excessively disproportionate and I have no choice but to oppose it,” it adds.
“I look forward to engaging with you further on these issues during the next stage of the planning project process.”