Doncaster councillors back call to avoid solar on farmland

A motion urging that solar farms are placed on sites such as car parks instead of farmland has been passed by the City of Doncaster Council with cross-party backing.

The original motion was brought forward by Reform UK group leader Guy Aston.

It followed widespread concern over the proposed Whitestones Solar Farm, which would place solar panels on fields near Conisbrough Cemetery, just south-west of Doncaster.

See also: Tory attempts to keep solar off farmland thwarted by council

Addressing the council, Cllr Aston said: “A huge part of Doncaster’s ‘green belt’ is on the brink of being transformed into an expanse of glass.

“The word that came to mind was ‘vandalism’, on an unprecedented scale. We must stop this desecration of Doncaster’s countryside.”

Councillors from across the political spectrum supported his call to protect agricultural land, including the mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, who added an amendment to the motion.

“I am a firm believer that solar panels should be placed on rooftops first and foremost and not on productive farmland,” she said.

The motion follows a protest against the Whitestones solar scheme, where residents expressed fears that the project would detract from the cemetery – a space visited by many to remember loved ones.

‘Major win’

Local campaign group Save our Greenbelt Conisbrough Parks wrote on Facebook: “This is a major win – protecting our valuable farmland is so important, especially as development pressures grow.

“Preserving green spaces, maintaining food production, and safeguarding our countryside should always be priorities.

“Let’s hope this sends a message to developers everywhere: we value our land, and sustainable energy solutions shouldn’t come at the cost of sacrificing agriculture.”

In contrast, in Rutland a motion proposing stricter controls on solar farm developments was withdrawn last week during a full council meeting, following strong opposition from councillors and local farmers.