º£½ÇÊÓƵ

Plans for a solar energy park on the outskirts of Leeds have been revealed.

Independent operator Banks Renewables has put forward the proposal for 50 hectares of land between Kippax and Allerton Bywater, in the A1, M1 and M62 triangle to the south east of the city.

Called Barnsdale solar energy park, it would meet the annual electricity requirements of 12,000 family homes.

It sits three miles from the family-owned company’s Hook Moor wind farm, one of 10 it owns in a portfolio of 224MW of green energy. Three others are operational in Yorkshire.

Barnsdale would link directly to Ledston Primary electricity substation, which is situated to the south east of the site.

Lewis Stokes, community relations manager at Durham-headquartered The Banks Group, said initial feedback had been good, with £800,000 of revenues generated in the lifetime operation to be used on community projects.

“We’re really pleased with the positive welcome that the Barnsdale solar project has had from local residents and stakeholders, and are excited to now be reaching this landmark point in its development,” he said.

“Despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, we’ve been able to share a great deal of information about our proposals for the Barnsdale solar energy park across local communities and have had lots of ideas in return about the different ways in which it can benefit the local community if it goes ahead.