Proposed Barnsdale solar farm divides Rutland residents

By Evie Payne 9th May 2023

Local News by Evie Payne 9th May 2023

Rutland residents are divided over a new solar farm proposed for land next to Barnsdale Gardens.

While some residents are in favour of more green energy provisions, others in the area object to the use of land inhabited by wildlife for the proposed solar installation.

The proposal, put forward by Exton Energy, maps out 81 hectares of solar panels for location next to the popular attraction, Barnsdale Gardens.

Nearly 1,500 have objected to the build already.

Despite objections, a number of residents have shared their approval of the building of more solar and green energy provisions: "We need this, whether people like it or not, the time has come to be responsible and use nature in a positive way!"

The owner of Barnsdale Gardens is in opposition. Image credit: Barnsdale Gardens.

While some residents are in favour of the proposal though, the petition has already drawn nearly 1,500 signatures.

One member of the community who has shared his opposition is the owner of Barnsdale Gardens, Nick Hamilton.

Mr Hamilton said: "I would be very grateful for your support to block this development to protect not only the legacy of my father, the former presenter of BBC Gardeners' World, Geoff Hamilton, but to preserve a valuable local resource of nature and tranquillity.

"We have learnt that a company called Exton Energy is planning to build a solar farm on 81 hectares of land in the fields right next door to Barnsdale Gardens.

"As vital as renewable energy is, there are better local fields to place this where the constant noise of the motorised panels, as they follow the sun, will not be the overriding factor ruining the peace for our visitors and wildlife and may force the closure of Barnsdale Gardens."

This comes as the Mallard Pass Solar Farm proposal is handed to the Planning Inspectorate following months of debate, as well as heavy protest from local pressure groups and residents.

The Planning Inspectorate will assess plans for the 2175 acre solar farm proposed for land in Rutland and Lincolnshire (South West).

Mallard Pass is proposed for a fertile collection of fields stretching just north of Stamford and across Eastern Rutland, around the villages of Essendine, Carlby, Braceborough, Casewick, Belmesthorpe and Ryhall. If passed, this will be the largest solar farm in the UK.