Ground-mounted solar farm at Land To North And North East Of Explore Industrial Park Explore Way Steetly Worksop

What was proposed

The application proposed a ground-mounted solar farm producing up to 18.74 megawatts, with access, fencing, cables, substations, drainage and landscaping.

“PROPOSAL 4.1.1 The application seeks full planning permission for the construction and operation of a solar photo voltaic renewable energy generating station (“solar farm”), comprising arrays of ground-mounted solar panels with a maximum gross electrical output of up to 18.74 MW.”

“The solar arrays would consist of galvanised steel and anodised aluminium mounting structures with the solar panels attached. The maximum height of the arrays would be 2.86m, with the panels all angled to be south-facing. Construction works would take place between 08:00 - 18:00 on weekdays and 08:30 - 13:00 on Saturdays. No works would occur on Sundays, bank holidays or public holidays.”

Officer report

The site

The 21.5-hectare site comprises two arable fields west of Worksop and south of Shireoaks, outside the Worksop development boundary.

“SITE CONTEXT 3.1.1 The site is located to the west of Worksop and to the south of the village of Shireoaks and consists of two arable fields separated by a small water course (Darfoulds Dyke). The site sits outside the Worksop development boundary as defined in the Bassetlaw Local Plan, and measures 21.5 hectares. The site is bound to the southwest by the embanked East Midlands Railway Line which runs direct services between Worksop and Nottingham.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A previous screening application for a 20-megawatt solar farm covering 21 hectares concluded that an environmental statement was not required.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 6.1.1 Full planning histories can be found on the Council’s public access planning system. The recent relevant planning histories are:”

“23/00458/SCR – Proposed 20MW Solar Photovoltaic Farm Covering 21ha – EIA not required (11/05/2023)”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objections, while Conservation, a councillor, Shireoaks Parish Council and the Gardens Trust raised heritage or traffic concerns.

“CONSULTATION RESPONSES • BDC Conservation – objection due to impact on setting of Shireoaks Hall and Conservation Area • BDC Environmental Health – no objections, subject to conditions • BDC Ecology – no objections • Cllr Pressley – objection due to construction traffic routing through Shireoaks • NCC Lead Local Flood Authority – no objections • NCC Highways – no objections, subject to conditions • NCC Planning Policy – no objections • NCC Rights of Way – no objections •…”

Officer report

What residents said

Four comments supported the proposal, while five objected over views, screening, biodiversity, construction traffic and possible effects on wintering birds.

“SUMMARY OF PUBLICITY 8.1.1 The application was publicised by a site notice, press advert and neighbour letters between 27/11/2023 and 02/01/2024. To reflect the site’s location within the setting of a Conservation Area, the application was re-publicised by a site notice and press advert between 08/05/2026 and 05/06/2026.”

“Raising the following material considerations: o Visual amenity from Shireoaks o Insufficient screening along northern boundary o Insufficient of biodiversity net gain in the long-term o Construction traffic (and HGVs) being routed through Shireoaks o Potential impacts on wintering birds…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support and a county councillor spoke against the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“Recommendation of the Head of Planning and Place: Grant planning permission, subject to conditions.”

“Committee Decision Resolved: Grant planning permission, subject to conditions.”

Minutes