Public inquiry to consider solar farm plan

A date has been set for a public inquiry into the decision to refuse plans for a solar farm near Doncaster.

Environmena had its application to build a 77-hectare site on land in Marr rejected by City of Doncaster Council in December.

The original planning application received more than 1,270 representations, with concerns raised over the potential harm to local businesses and damage to agricultural land.

However, following an appeal by the company, the application will now be considered at a seven-day inquiry, which is due to start on 17 November.

During the original planning meeting, local councillors Cynthia Ransome and Oliver Bloor spoke against the proposal, as did councillor Rachel Reed, who has also campaigned against the separate Whitestone Solar Farm on behalf of residents in her ward of Conisbrough.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Environmena told journalists following the refusal it had won an appeal elsewhere in the country in similar circumstances.

The inquiry will be held at The Point on South Parade in Doncaster.

Members of the public can attend the meetings. Those who wish to speak must contact the relevant planning officer in advance.

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