Elgin Energy has submitted plans for a 38-megawatt solar farm east of Low Maidendale Farm in Hurworth Moor, which could generate enough renewable electricity to power up to 16,400 Darlington homes.
Application lodged with council
Elgin Energy Es Co has submitted proposals to Darlington Borough Council seeking approval to construct the facility on land situated east of Low Maidendale Farm in Hurworth Moor.
The planned installation would boast a generation capacity reaching 38 megawatts and would encompass solar panels alongside supporting infrastructure. The developer has indicated the project would deliver a "meaningful contribution" towards renewable energy objectives, bolstering energy security while advancing the shift towards a low-carbon economy.
Land use and operational period
The location would primarily utilise Grade 3b agricultural land, with sheep grazing permitted to continue beneath and around the solar arrays. Should consent be granted, the installation would remain operational for a maximum of 40 years before decommissioning and land restoration.
Elgin Energy has emphasised the location has been "carefully selected and designed" to optimise renewable energy production while minimising environmental consequences.
Impact assessments and acknowledged effects
Within a planning statement, the company noted that assessments had determined the proposal could be delivered without unacceptable impacts upon heritage assets, residential amenity, highway safety, flooding risk, ecology, contaminated land, mineral resources, noise pollution or light reflection issues.
Nevertheless, the developer has conceded there would be certain localised landscape and visual effects. It stated the most significant impacts would be confined to the site itself and its immediate vicinity, affecting views from neighbouring public footpaths and a limited number of residential properties.
The scheme would additionally cause a modest degree of "less than substantial" harm to heritage assets, the application has acknowledged.
Benefits and next steps
Elgin Energy has argued the solar farm would generate renewable electricity, bolster net-zero ambitions and energy security, improve biodiversity, offer agricultural diversification and deliver economic investment to the area.
The applicant has maintained the advantages "clearly outweigh" the recognised negative impacts and that the project represents sustainable development aligned with the Darlington Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.
Darlington Borough Council will examine the application in due course.
