News: Whitestone - the £600m planned investment in Rotherham that would create just 39 long term jobs

Planning documents for one of the largest solar farms in the country have been published - all 159 of them.

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Whitestone has been given a cost estimate of between £500m and £600m. It is being promoted by Green Nation but operates under Net Zero One Ltd.

Initial consultation documents from Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northern site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites that are included in the proposed solar farm development are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A three month pre-examination stage has now begun looking at the issues which will need to be discussed at the examination stage. This next stage is where the applicant, anyone who is registered to have their say, official bodies and people whose land is directly affected can comment on the proposed development or answer any of the questions at each deadline.

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Documents include numerous environmental statements on things like Landscape and Visual Impact (LVIA), contaminated land and transport, plus outline strategies for landscape and ecology management, surface water drainage and Public Right of Way (PROW) management.

However, much of the details are not yet known. Developers want to "maintain flexibility in the design" and instead specify parameter ranges, including details of the maximum, and minimum, size (footprint, width, and height, technology,) and locations of the different elements of the proposed development.

Plans also show that the developers are enacting a compulsory acquisition of land.

Applicants also say that they are proposing a large scheme due to its bulk generation potential and connection to the national grid that means that benefits are felt more widely. It discounts brownfield and rooftop sites due to thier unsuitability and related "ownership, occupation, and upkeep" issues.

On employment, planning documents say that: "During construction, it is anticipated that there would be 1,616 FTE jobs created as a result of direct, indirect and induced employment opportunities and that 538 of these would be from the local Study Area. Once operational, impacts on local labour market arising from operational and maintenance jobs would be more limited but still present, with 39 FTE direct, indirect and induced jobs created."

Promoters of the scheme, which they want to operate for 60 years, say that the proposed development is located on "grey belt land because the site does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes" but go on to say that "even if this position is not accepted, there are Very Special Circumstances that clearly outweigh any harm identified in terms of the five Green Belt purposes."

The applicants conclude: "The significant need for low carbon electricity generation infrastructure to meet the government’s decarbonisation objectives, and wider environmental benefits of the proposal, including the significant increase in BNG and creation of new permissive paths locally, would outweigh any harm identified to the Green Belt."

Rotherham Council does not agree that the site is "grey belt" stating that "this part of the Borough performs an important strategic and local function as open countryside in a relatively densely populated area, helping to maintain separation between settlements, prevent encroachment into the countryside and preserve a sense of openness."

Rotherham Council and the local MPs have raised issues with the scheme's consultation.

Rothbiz has detailed the issues raised by Rotherham Council with the Whitestone proposals.

Whitestone website

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News: Rotherham Council raises issues with Whitestone solar proposals

Rotherham Council's issues with a massive solar farm proposed in the borough have been published.

Plans have moved to the next stage for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Local councils are statutory consultees for NSIPs and a report on Rotherham Council's issues with the proposals has been published with the application documents.

At the earlier stage, the council has commented on 18 separate issues. Proponents of the scheme, Green Nation, address how the latest submission relates to the earlier issues raised.

On the use of Green Belt land, Rotherham Council set out that the solar farm conflicts with the Rotherham Local Plan and national policies, in that "the development would introduce substantial built form and industrialising features into land intended to remain open and to safeguard the setting and separation of settlements."

In response, promoters of the scheme say that the proposed development is located on "grey belt land because the site does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes" and go on to say that "even if this position is not accepted, there are Very Special Circumstances that clearly outweigh any harm identified in terms of the five Green Belt purposes."

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Rotherham Council has also raised issue with the loss of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land which it says is "valuable not only because of its productive capacity for food and other crops, but also because it forms part of a finite soil resource and supports the long-term resilience of rural land use within the Borough."

Applicants argue that the scheme is set to operate for 60 years so any loss is temporary.

On the issue of lifespan, Rotherham Council has raised the issue of the 60 year timescale given that national policy is 40 years. The council said: "Even if the development is technically reversible at the end of its life, the Council considers that reversibility after 60 years substantially reduces the practical weight that can be attached to "temporary" effects in the planning balance.

The council adds that the operation is likely to span more than one generation and that a more nuanced approach would be needed, It said that the "applicant has not yet demonstrated why a 60-year operational life is justified."

Applicants say that in "recent decisions the Secretary of State has confirmed that the 60- year consent lifespan is ""temporary and reversible for the majority of the land.""

Concern has also been raised relating to the "scale, concentration and persistence of significant landscape and visual effects", particularly the impact on settlements such as North Anston, Wickersley, Ulley and Harthill, and various public rights of way and recreational routes. Issues have also been raised with the submitted Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA).

Rotherham Council is also concerned about the harm to the setting of heritage assets and have asked for a robust assessment of setting impacts, including cumulative effects.

The authority is also unhappy with the inclusion of the Local Wildlife Site at Brampton Common within the limits of the scheme. Though applicants say that it is "not being managed to achieve the objectives for which it was designated," a strategy for enhancements has been drafted.

On Biodiversity Net Gain, a way of creating and improving natural habitats, Rotherham Council said that "expressing an intention to achieve a 10% minimum gain does not go far enough." BNG is not currently a legal requirement for NSIPs but applicants say that updated plans show that BNG metrics have calculated that area habitat units would see a 42.52% gain, hedgerow units, a 44.47% gain, and watercourse units, a 10.11% gain.

Rotherham Council has also raised concerns regarding the suitability and capacity of the proposed substation and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) location, along with issues regarding highways, drainage, glint and glare effects arising from solar panels, noise, and how the proposed cable corridor would interact with areas of landfill and potentially contaminated land.

Rotherham Council will now need to digest the 159 planning documents published with the application.

A three month pre-examination stage has now begun looking at the issues which will need to be discussed at the examination stage. This next stage is where the applicant, anyone who is registered to have their say, official bodies, and people whose land is directly affected, can comment on the proposed development or answer any of the questions at each deadline.

At the examination stage Rotherham Council will submit a Local Impact Report (LIR) which the Inspector must consider.

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News: Whitestone solar plans accepted by Government

Plans to build one of the largest solar farms in the country have moved a step forward - it would cover 1,169 hectares of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster.

Rotherham Council and the three local MPs have all raised issues with the application.

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Initial consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Having assessed application documents, the Government's Planning Inspectorate has now accepted an application for an order granting development consent.

A three month pre-examination stage will now begin looking at the issues which will need to be discussed at the examination stage which is where the applicant, anyone who is registered to have their say, official bodies and people whose land is directly affected can comment on the proposed development or answer any of the questions at each deadline.

Rotherham Council has already made a representation stating that: "it has been made aware of an apparent failure to serve the requisite notice on the occupiers of Springvale Farm, Springvale House, Morthen House, and New Sycamore Farm. In the absence of evidence demonstrating that such service has been lawfully affected, the Council’s position is that the statutory consultation requirements may not have been fully satisfied."

Local councillors, parish councils and local residents have raised insues over the quality and effectiveness of the consultation.

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John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisborough says that the consultation has been "fundamentally flawed" adding that each of the three sites are seperate.

The MP said: "Residents do not experience the same local impacts across these three areas, and no reasonable observer would describe them as one contiguous or coherent site.

"Instead of respecting the different communities and recognising each of the three schemes should be subject to a separate consultation, Whitestone has lumped the schemes together in a single consultation. No doubt this is for convenience and to cut costs, but aggregating the three schemes deprives communities of a proper consultation and fails to fully discharge Whitestone's obligation under the act."

Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, said: "Each of the three schemes exceeds the threshold for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and therefore requires a robust, standalone consultation. Whitestone's decision to amalgamate them appears to prioritise administrative convenience and cost-saving over compliance with the Act [The Planning Act 2008] and over meaningful engagement with residents."

The MPs are asking the Government's chief planner to assess the the adequacy and validity of the Whitestone consultation.

Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said: "Should this be found to be inadequate, I would urge you to ensure that proper, detailed consultation, which recognises the unique impacts across the three separate schemes, is undertaken prior to any planning application moving forward."

Applicants are hoping for a decision on the plans in Autumn 2027.

Whitestone website

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News: South Yorkshire Mayor: "Whitestone is the wrong scheme"

Oliver Coppard, the mayor of South Yorkshire says that he is convinced that plans for a massive solar farm that could take up acres of green belt land in Rotherham "is the wrong scheme."

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Initial consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Following a second round of consultation, the plans have been updated again.

Proponents of the scheme say that the size of the scheme has been reduced significantly.

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An update reads: "We received more than 10,000 pieces of written feedback. We have now reviewed all of the feedback we received. Where the feedback applied to the masterplan, we have made a number of changes to address concerns.

"In response to feedback from two rounds of consultation and ongoing stakeholder engagement, the size of Whitestone has been reduced significantly. The final size is now 1,169 hectares (2,888 acres), which includes 691 hectares (1,707 acres) for solar and associated infrastructure and 637 hectares (1,181 acres) for environmental mitigation and enhancement. Compared to the initial masterplan, this is a reduction of 37% of the developable area and a reduction of 17% of the total size of the project."

Following a public meeting on the plans, Oliver Coppard said: "I went into the room with significant doubts about the scale of the development, and the huge cost it will impose on the local community. I left the meeting convinced that it is the wrong scheme, with huge flaws in the public consultation, the design and the delivery, and it should not be imposed here, in the heart of South Yorkshire.

"I’ll be taking away all the comments and questions that were raised tonight, and following up with all those who attended and are interested in what we might be able to do to mount an objection to the Whitestone Solar Farm.

"It’s not in my gift to stop the scheme, and I can’t promise that will be the eventual outcome, but I can promise to explore all of our options and to work with partners and our communities to raise our voices together, and to do what we can to make those voices heard."

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A DCO submission is expected in Spring 2026.

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Whitestone Net Zero Limited

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News: Rotherham wind farm sold

OnPath Energy, a long-standing developer of renewable energy plants operating in the UK, has sold a number of its wind farms, including one in Rotherham.

Italian company, ERG has snapped up seven onshore wind farms in accross the country in a deal which has an enterprise value of £112.9m.

A development of six 132m turbines at Penny Hill Farm in Ulley in Rotherham was part of the deal. The operators, The Banks Group, secured planning permission for the 20MW capacity site in December 2010 and an extension was later secured allowing operations to continue until 2053.

In 2023, Brookfield, a leading global asset manager with $850bn of assets under management, acquired Banks Renewables and its wind farms. THe company was renamed OnPath Energy.

ERG operates around 4,000 MW globally and, following this transaction, 412MW of installed wind capacity in the UK with a growing portfolio of wind and solar energy projects across nine European countries and in the United States.

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Richard Dunkley, CEO at OnPath Energy, says: “The sale of these seven wind farms was a core part of the business plan that was developed when Brookfield acquired OnPath in 2023, and we are very pleased to have now completed this transaction with such a well-regarded counterparty.

“Acquisitions and divestments are a critical part of our growth strategy, where proceeds from selling mature assets can be used to develop and acquire pipeline with potential for value creation leveraging our team’s deep renewables expertise.

“We will now be bringing forward a range of new proposals for onshore wind farms across Great Britain over the next 12 months that will build on our existing plans to invest around one billion pounds in total in clean energy projects by 2030.”

OnPath Energy said that it will continue to manage Penny Hill Wind Farm on behalf of ERG while the £22,900 annual community benefit fund will be maintained under their new ownership over the project’s lifetime. 

OnPath is currently constructing a £60m, 49MW project called Common Farm Solar Park on green belt land to the west of the Todwick Road Industrial Estate in Dinnington.

OnPath Energy website
ERG website

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News: Second consultation for Whitestone solar plans

Developers behind the Whitestone Solar Farm are about to begin a second round of consultation after plans were updated.

Rothbiz reported in April on early stage plans being updated for a solar farm generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW and connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Developers say that they have made "significant changes to the project design" to respond to the feedback received.

Updated documents explain that one fourth of the land (279 hectares / 689 acres) has been removed across the whole site that was included for solar development to create buffers around homes, villages and public rights of way near the project boundary. This has resulted in the removal or reduction of panels around the most sensitive community areas, particularly around residential dwellings.

Due to its size, Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it needs a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, rather than made locally by Rotherham and Doncaster Councils.

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A 450-page scoping report has been examined by the planning inspectorate which provided environmental information outlining the scope and methodology of the technical studies being conducted. It precedes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The report confirms that the proposed development is being brought forward by Whitestone Net Zero Limited, owned by Net Zero One Limited but it is intended to be constructed, managed and operated by Green Nation.

A leaflet from the developers states: "The first round of consultation ran for 11 weeks, and included public events, meetings with parish councils and other stakeholders, and individual discussions with local residents. We received 940 pieces of written feedback, which we have reviewed and considered, to inform the updated design shown at this round of consultation.

"We are now holding our second consultation on the updated masterplan and draft Environmental Statement, which will help inform the proposals we submit in our DCO application next spring."

The northern site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

The consultation will be carried out from September 16 to October 28 2025. A number of public information events have been scheduled for October.

Whitestone website

Images: Green Nation / Google Maps

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News: Safeguarding lifted on HS2 route through Rotherham

Land in Rotherham outlined for high speed rail is no longer under safeguarding directions, the Secretary of State for Transport has confirmed.

Former owners who sold to the government will be given the opportunity to buy property back, but at the current value.

The announcement comes four and a half years after the scheme to Leeds was scrapped and nine years after property owners first learnt of the plans.

The government announced in 2021 that the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern leg would terminate at East Midlands Parkway and no longer reach Leeds through the communities in the east of Rotherham. A study into how best to take HS2 services to Leeds was announced but never really got underway.

Safeguarding for Phase 2b (Crewe to Manchester and West Midlands to Leeds) was set to be ammended in summer 2024 to allow for any safeguarding needed for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Safeguarding is designed to protect land which the government may need to build and operate HS2 from conflicting development that might otherwise take place. Issuing safeguarding directions also triggers statutory blight - starting the process of the government acquiring property in the safeguarded areas.

A latest report to Parliament confirmed that the safeguarding directions for the former HS2 route through Rotherham have finally been lifted.

Heidi Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said: "I am today formally lifting the safeguarding directions for the former Phase 2b Eastern Leg (between the West Midlands and Leeds), removing the uncertainty that has affected many people along the former route. Safeguarding along the former Phase 2b Western Leg (between Crewe and Manchester) is not being changed as part of this, and an update on future plans for safeguarding on this section will be provided in due course alongside broader plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

"One small area to the south of the existing station in central Leeds, previously required for the new HS2 station, will remain safeguarded to allow for potential enhancements to the existing station, including for onward travel.

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"I have also today closed the Rural Support Zone, Express Purchase, Rent Back, and the Need to Sell property schemes along the former Phase 2b Eastern Leg. Existing applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

"Removing safeguarding along the majority of the former HS2 Phase 2b Eastern Leg means we are now able to initiate a programme to dispose of over 550 properties on the former Eastern Leg that are no longer required. We expect disposals on the open market to begin in 2026. Before then, former owners whose property was acquired under statutory blight will have the opportunity to reacquire their former property at the current market value.

"We will dispose of land and property in a sensible and sensitive way, ensuring value for money for the taxpayer and avoiding disruption to local property markets."

The scrapped route through Rotherham was announced in 2016 and affected areas such as Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts.

With no station at Meadowhall and just a spur into Sheffield, residents and local politicians believed that the change in route offered "all of the problems but none of the benefits" and had to deal with blight notices and programmes to sell property to the government before compulsory purchase.

HS2 Ltd website

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News: Plans updated for massive solar farm in Rotherham

Following consultation, early stage plans have been updated for a massive solar farm that could take up acres of green belt land in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported at the end of 2024 on plans for Whitestone Solar Farm, which if constructed, would generate up to 750MW of energy, enough to power up to 250,000 homes.

Consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Having recently completed a first consultation stage, developers say that they have made "significant changes to the project design" to respond to the feedback received.

Updated documents explain that one fourth of the land (279 hectares / 689 acres) has been removed across the whole site that was included for solar development to create buffers around homes, villages and public rights of way near the project boundary. This has resulted in the removal or reduction of panels around the most sensitive community areas, particularly around residential dwellings.

Developers say that: "These areas would not have any solar panels or other above-ground infrastructure. Some will now be set aside for environmental enhancement and mitigation, and would be planted with a mix of native grasses and wildflowers to support wildlife and increase biodiversity."

The area for solar development and associated infrastructure would now only account for around half of the total updated site area.

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Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it would go for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A scoping seport is being submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. This enables the project to be designed to avoid or minimise negative environmental impacts and provides an opportunity to incorporate positive environmental enhancements into the project. A formal application is not expected until the summer of 2026.

Green Nation is planning a second consultation this autumn based on the updated proposals and the preliminary results of the environmental assessments.

The developers said: "During this consultation, which will be considered ‘statutory’, we will consult with the community, elected officials, and technical experts to fact check our initial results and help inform the final assessments that we will submit in our DCO application. When we get closer to the autumn, we will notify the community of the details of the consultation and how you can take part."

Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, who has already raised concerns about the proposals, said of the update: "I am pleased that this has resulted in some significant changes and a 25% reduction in the scale of the plan. It is welcome that particular areas which local residents sought to be protected have been.

"But nonetheless, the revised plan is not good enough. Whilst I support the government’s plans for more renewable energy to cut bills and end our reliance on foreign supplies, my priority is always my constituents. Residents in the affected areas - Harthill, Woodall, Aston, Brampton-en-le-Morthen and Ulley – are rightly worried about this and I will stand with them.

"I will continue to work with the developer, urging them to make further changes."

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Students celebrate social enterprise café success

Visitors to Ulley Country Park in Rotherham are enjoying tasty homemade treats, thanks to a pioneering social enterprise that is helping students with special educational needs and disabilities to prepare for life after college.

Launched last June, the ROC Café was developed through a unique collaboration between Ulley Country Park and Rotherham Opportunities College. Operated by students with physical and learning disabilities and/or autism under the watchful eye of experienced catering co-ordinator, Gaynor Cooper, the café operates every Tuesday and Thursday.

The ROC Café has already helped more than 40 students to develop practical life skills, with the underlying aim of helping them to live as independently as possible in adulthood, as well as securing future employment within the hospitality industry.

Working under supervision, students spend time serving customers, preparing food, as well as learning about customer service.

Many of the tasty snacks and treats sold in the ROC Café are prepared by students in college, using locally sourced meat, fruit and vegetables and bread.

To date, the café has received rave reviews from visitors to the park, as well as achieving a five-star food hygiene rating, the highest available.

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Dr Perdita Mousely, Principal, Rotherham Opportunities College, said: “Many of our students look forward to spending time in the café, and for many it is one of the highlights of the college week. Our mission at Rotherham Opportunities College is to equip our learners with the vital skills to enjoy rich and fulfilling lives in adulthood, and providing work experience in a safe, welcoming environment has helped many of our learners go on to secure jobs in the hospitality industry after successfully completing their studies. The café is one of a number of activities we deliver in college to help our students to feel connected to the local community.

"Time spent working in the café helps our students to develop important life skills, including how to communicate effectively, preparing food safely and learning about handling money. The café also forms an important part of our commitment towards investing in the local community. Through our collaborations with local businesses, visitors are able to enjoy a wide range of tasty, home-cooked produce, and it’s been truly heart-warming to hear the positive feedback we’ve received from visitors.”

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Victoria Cusworth said: “We want Rotherham to be a great place to grow up, where all children and young people are safe, valued, able to enjoy their lives, achieve their aspirations and get the best possible start in life.

“We’re pleased to welcome the students in the café, and we can see the positive impact it has had on the visitor experience at Ulley Country Park. Taking part has helped students to achieve a greater sense of independence and personal growth by developing their skills as they prepare for adulthood.”

Based in Rotherham town centre, Rotherham Opportunities College is an independent specialist college that supports young adults aged 16-25 who have learning disabilities and/or autism.

The college provides tailored education programmes, which take a holistic approach towards understanding the individual needs of each student, helping them to develop the vital skills needed to live independently, secure employment and build rich and fulfilling lives during adulthood.

Rotherham Opportunities College website

Images: Rotherham Opportunities College

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News: Solar farm plans for Rotherham energy site

Another planning application has been submitted for a solar energy project on agricultural land close to an existing wind farm in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported in 2015 on Banks Renewables' (now OnPath Energy) plans for a 5MW solar photo voltaic (PV) scheme close to its Penny Hill wind farm site at Ulley, which sits to the south east of Rotherham and west of the junction of the M1 and M18.

With OnPath also developing plans for a £60m, 49MW project on green belt land to the west of the Todwick Road Industrial Estate in Dinnington, another firm announced proposals for land at Ulley earlier this year.

Applicants Abei Energy hope to install solar panels on two parcels of land which lie north and south of Carr Lane, which would be known as Piper Lane Solar Farm.

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With an operational phase of 40 years, the proposed development would comprise the construction and operation of an approximate 31.2MW solar array, 11.97MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and its associated infrastructure on a site of circa. 31ha.

The installation will include approximately 50,700 state-of-the-art polycrystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, capable of generating enough clean energy to power approximately 11,500 homes. This has been reduced from initial proposals that showed 71,500 solar modules.

Applicants say that the plans will address national and local support for renewable energy generation projects whilst supporting farmers and landowners to diversify. The plans add that sheep grazing could continue, minimising the impact on existing land use.

Regarding the green belt site, the application, prepared by Arthian Ltd, states: "The proposal is therefore considered to be an exception, as the benefits outweigh any potential impact, especially considering the national target of 100% renewable energy generation by 2030 and amendments to planning policy in relation to renewable developments. The proposal includes a shared agricultural use for sheep grazing, which will maintain the existing land use. The Application Site will be restored into its existing condition upon decommissioning, and thus any potential impact on the Green Belt will only be temporary in nature."

Plans conclude: "The Proposed Development will contribute towards the transition to a low carbon economy and national and local net zero ambitions. The co-location of battery storage will also maximise energy generation and security of supply. Environmental benefits will also be released by way of positive BNG [biodiversity net gain] through proposed landscaping and habitat creation."

Abei Energy

Images: Abei Energy

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News: Acres of Rotherham green belt eyed up for massive solar farm

Thousands of acres of green belt land in Rotherham has been identified in early stage proposals for the largest solar farm in Yorkshire - and one of the largest in the UK.

Solar developer Green Nation has begun consultation on plans to develop a solar and energy storage scheme that would be classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

If constructed, Whitestone Solar Farm would generate up to 750MW of energy, which is enough to power up to 250,000 homes.

Whitestone would dwarf the Common Farm Solar project in Rotherham that secured planning permission in 2023 that would have an installed capacity of up to 50MW (and cover 285 acres with solar panels).

Consultation documents show that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up Whitestone Solar Farm.

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The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

The developers say that the sites were chosen as there was available capacity at the Brinsworth substation in Rotherham - a remnant of the area's historic role in steel production.

Green Nation says that it has been able to secure an agreement for a new energy project to connect at this location.

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and cable infrastructure would aslo be required.

With a capacity over 50MW, the plans for the development would not be determined by Rotherham Council, instead a Development Consent Order (DCO) application would be decided at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Classed as temporary (60 years), the proposed solar farms would be designed with open spaces around and between the panels with wildflowers and native grasses planted beneath. Measures are included to reduce the visual impact from homes and public rights of way.

Consultation documents state: "Whitestone could make a significant contribution to our national energy goals – helping in the fight against climate change while also contributing to energy security and helping reduce energy costs by producing clean, renewable energy here in the UK.

"We are at a very early stage in the development of Whitestone. Our goal is to develop the project in a way that is sensitive to the local environment and community. Over the next few months, we will consult with local residents and technical experts to ensure that valuable local knowledge is built into our proposals."

Consultation runs until to January 17 2025 with a number of in person events scheduled, starting in Rotherham at Aston cum Aughton Leisure Centre on November 30.

Developers plan to submit its application in spring 2026 with construction to follow in 2027 and connection in 2029.

Whitestone Solar Farm website

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News: Rotherham wind farm sold

Brookfield, a leading global asset manager with $850bn of assets under management, is acquiring Banks Renewables and a raft of wind farms, including one in Rotherham.

The Banks Group, founded in 1976, established its renewables business in 2006 and has grown to become one of the UK’s leading independent owner/operators of onshore wind.

Brookfield is a Canadian multinational company based in Toronto which invests in real estate, renewable power, infrastructure, credit and private equity.

Banks Group currently has 11 onshore wind farms across Yorkshire, the North East, the North West and Scotland.

This includes six 132m turbines at Penny Hill Farm in Ulley which secured planning permission in December 2010 and an extension was recently secured allowing operations to continue until 2053.

In addition, Banks Renewables have been progressing plans for a £60m solar farm at Common Farm near Dinnington, also in Rotherham.

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Founder and Chairman of the Banks Group, Harry Banks OBE DL, says: “I believe that Brookfield’s established position in the renewables industry and the strong cultural fit that exists between both businesses will lead to this acquisition being to the benefit of all parties involved.

“The greater resources of Brookfield will enable the fuller development of opportunities which Banks Renewables are introducing. It will be good for Banks Renewables’ employees and their career prospects, and it will be good for Brookfield because they are acquiring a renewables business with a proven track record and a capability to take the business forward.

“This is also good news for other Banks Group businesses and their employees, who will continue to develop our existing businesses in land, property, mining and in developing our new regional housebuilding business, Banks Homes.”

Sebastian Perl, Vice President at Brookfield, adds: “The United Kingdom is a high-quality location for renewable energy development and we are delighted to have made a further commitment to this market.

“We have a track record of being long-term owners of renewable energy businesses around the world and we see great potential to continue the great work that Banks Renewables has already achieved.”

The Banks Group was advised by Rothschild & Co (corporate finance and M&A) and Ashurst (legal) during the transaction.

Banks Group’s other businesses, including Banks Property, Banks Homes, Banks Mining, Banks Transport and Banks Plant Solutions, will continue to operate as normal.

Banks Renewables website

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News: More land in Rotherham needed for HS2

HS2 Ltd has confirmed that it will need more land in order to construct the high speed rail route through Rotherham, adding more sites to its "safeguarding areas."

Rothbiz reported last year on the details released as part of a consultation which highlighted that more land is needed during construction. It described the design of the railway and reported on the impacts of its construction and operation.

As the bills make their way through Parliament, design work has continued on how the line may look, from box tunnels, cuttings and embankments, to bridges and viaducts. Now further consultation is underway and new maps confirm the land required in the borough for construction compounds and road realignments.

Safeguarding is a planning tool to help the Government and HS2 Ltd protect the land that may be needed to build and operate the railway from conflicting development. Also guiding planning authorities, property owners within the safeguarding area can serve a Blight Notice asking the Secretary of State for Transport to buy their property prior to it being needed for construction of HS2.

In July 2017, the Secretary of State for Transport confirmed the preferred route for the £55.7 billion HS2 project from Crewe to Manchester and from the West Midlands to Leeds (known as Phase 2b). A spur to Sheffield is included and the fast route to Leeds would go through the East of Rotherham and would affect Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts.

The maps show that greenbelt land at Waleswood that developers had identified for commercial development is needed by HS2. Where a viaduct is proposed at Aston, land has been safeguarded for a brand new section of the road in Aston Conservation Area to run on fields between the Grade II listed Aston Hall Hotel and the cricket club to join the A57 Aston bypass close to Aston ponds.

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At Thurcroft, safeguarding areas have been extended as further road realignments are proposed. Morthen Road is set to be realigned to cross above the new railway and motorway to maintain access between Thurcroft and Wickersley. On farmland adjacent to the Nine Trees Trading Estate, a new roundabout and realigned road would link to Brampton Road close to the Consort Hotel.

The new maps show the hotel left out of the safeguarding area whilst land all around it for the new roads is included (pictured).

Further land is required where a wind turbine stands in the way of the route at Ulley, and around a proposed viaduct over the M1 / M18 junction. At Bramley, farm land off Slacks Lane has been added to the safeguarding area with the land required for a construction compound.

Documents from HS2 state: "Although safeguarding for the Phase 2b route was only introduced in 2017, it was based on plans which pre-dated the Working Draft Environmental Statement designs that were subject to consultation in October 2018 and which provide draft environmental information for the Phase 2b route. Whilst the corridor of the route was protected by the Safeguarding Directions, many accompanying sites, particularly those a short distance from the HS2 line of route, fell outside the safeguarded area.

"Due to the interaction between safeguarding and the consultation on the Working Draft Environmental Statement and the proposed route design refinements, updated and revised Safeguarding Directions have now been issued to reflect these route changes."

A Northern Loop is yet to be confirmed connecting Sheffield Midland back to the HS2 line heading to and from Leeds. The latest maps show large amounts of land added to the safeguarding area around Clayton and Thurnscoe where HS2 Ltd have been assuming a that a junction between HS2 and the existing network would be constructed.

A Parkway station, which would bring big benefits to South Yorkshire, has also not yet been confirmed.

In its response to the previous consultation, Rotherham Council made it clear that it does not support HS2's revised alignment of the Birmingham to Leeds leg, calling on the Government to abandon the current scheme between Birmingham and Leeds immediately.

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News: HS2 release further info on how route affects Rotherham

HS2 Ltd has begun consultation on environmental impacts and mitigation as the designs evolve for the high speed route which is set to head through Rotherham. It highlights that more land is needed during construction.

In July 2017, the Secretary of State for Transport confirmed the preferred route for the £55.7 billion HS2 project from Crewe to Manchester and from the West Midlands to Leeds (known as Phase 2b). A spur to Sheffield is included and the fast route to Leeds would go through the East of Rotherham and would affect Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts. A new housing estate at Mexborough will also have to make way.

Consultation is underway on the working draft Environmental Statement, which describes the design of the railway and reports on the impacts of its construction and operation, alongside the measures proposed to reduce and monitor these impacts; and the working draft Equality Impact Assessment Report.

The public consultations will be supported by a programme of community events, which will see teams from HS2 Ltd visit locations across the eastern and western legs of the Phase 2b route to talk to people about the design plans.

Hellaby Hall Hotel hosts an event on October 30 with the Best Western Aston Hall Hotel hosting HS2 Ltd on November 6.

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As the bills make their way through Parliament, design work has continued on how the line may look, from box tunnels, cuttings and embankments, to bridges and viaducts.

Entering the borough from the South, the route follows the M1 and passes to the west of Woodhall Services to Wales on a series of cuttings with embankments. The route crosses School Road at Wales before continuing through cuttings and an underground box before a 244m long, 18m high viaduct over the Sheffield to Worksop Railway, Pigeon Brook and floodplains at Aston. Nicker Wood embankment is set to be 513m in length and up to 21m in height with futher embankments and a cutting at the A57 near to Junction 31 of the M1.

The route passes the M1/M18 junction on a series of long, high embankments and viaducts. The Ulley embankment is 1.2km in length and up to 21m in height and Thurcroft North viaduct would be 640m in length and up to 22m in height, crossing over the M18. Noise barriers are proposed here.

A retained cut is proposed at Bramley and Hellaby before the route heads northwards on an embankment before it passes beneath the A630 Doncaster Road in a cutting.

The Proposed Scheme is expected to be constructed between 2023 and 2033. Details of locations for construction compounds and road realignments were released in June and now the latest documents show what land is needed for the construction of the route.

The maps show further areas around the route as "land potentially required during construction" and land for "temporary material stockpile."

HS2 Ltd state in the documents: "Based upon a reasonable worst-case approach, the design and assessment at this stage generally assumes that all property falling within the land required for the Proposed Scheme would be demolished to enable construction and operation. However, as the design develops, it is likely that not all the properties reported within the assessment would need to be demolished, for example where not all of the land is required for permanent works.

"Land used only for construction purposes would be restored as agreed with the owner of the land and the relevant planning authority once the construction works in that area are complete."

The documents confirm: the loss of 15 residential properties in Wales; the loss of 40% of Aston Park and Engine House Plantation in Aston; the permanent loss of Parklands Equestrian Centre in Aston; the demolition of two residential properties on Worksop Road, that the route would "permanently physically affect two Grade II listed buildings at Nickerwood Farm"; the demolition of a wind turbine located within Penny Hill Wind Farm.

Work is also continuing on mitigation measures such as restricting working hours, screening views, dealing with noise during construction and operation, providing links and access, creating new habitats and avoiding or reducing impacts on floodplains.

The documents also mention the "northern loop" to join the HS2 line with Sheffield station, which is yet to be confirmed by the Government in terms of funding or inclusion in the HS2 project. Designs are being developed for a 6.7km long Sheffield Northern spur between Clayton and Thurnscoe which would connect the Dearne Valley Line existing railway to HS2.

Leonie Dubois, head of consultation and engagement at HS2 Ltd, said: "HS2 is coming to the north and it will reap significant benefits as a result. High speed rail will play a crucial role in rebalancing Britain's economy; driving business growth, stimulating investment and creating jobs right across the country.

"Through the public consultations, we are providing a more detailed account of how we propose to build the railway and minimise its impacts during construction and operation. We actively encourage people to have their say on the plans we have published today."

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News: Rotherham solar farm set for planning approval

Plans for a 5MW solar energy project on the site of a wind farm in Rotherham are being recommended for approval.

Banks Renewables is looking to install the scheme at its Penny Hill wind farm site, to the south east of Rotherham and west of the junction of the M1 and M18.

The Durham-based developer secured planning permission for the six turbine wind farm at Ulley in 2010. Backed by £21m from the Co-operative Bank, turbines with a maximum height of 132m were built on green belt land.

Approximately six hectares of current agricultural land in the south east corner of its Penny Hill wind farm site would be covered by solar panels, up to three metres in height. If approved, the installed capacity of up to 5MW would provide enough electricity for approximately 1,320 homes.

Approximately 18,280 panels would be installed rated at 270W with the lower edge around one metre above ground level enabling safe grazing by smaller livestock. It is set to use the existing grid connection on the Penny Hill site.

The planning application is set to be discussed by councillors this week and approval would be for a temporary period of 23 years, the same length of time that the wind turbines are set to be in operation.

Objections have been raised on the loss of agricultural land and the impact on the green belt and Ulley conservation area.

Planning officers at Rotherham Council are recommending that the plans be approved, with a number of conditions.

A report to the planning board concludes that even though the extent of the benefits in this instance is limited to the provision of renewable energy, this does constitute very special circumstances for development in the green belt.

The report adds: "The development would have limited harm upon the openness of the green belt, by reason of encroachment, as a result of the fields proposed being well screened as existing, together with enhanced screening measures proposed. There would also be limited other harm, with the development having minor visual impact upon the immediate and wider landscape."

Conditions include giving the applicants five years instead of the usual three to develop the plans. This is due to changes to the Government subsidy regime announced since submission of the application that could affect the financial viability of future solar energy projects.

Banks Renewables website

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News: Plans in for Rotherham solar farm

18,280 solar panels could be installed on farmland at Ulley in Rotherham under recently submitted plans for a new solar energy project on the site of a wind farm.

Renewable energy firm Banks Renewables is looking to install a 5MW solar photo voltaic (PV) scheme in the south east corner of its Penny Hill wind farm site, which sits to the south east of Rotherham and west of the junction of the M1 and M18.

The Durham-based developer secured planning permission for the six turbine wind farm at Ulley in 2010. Backed by £21m from the Co-operative Bank, turbines with a maximum height of 132m were built on green belt land.

Approximately six hectares of current agricultural land would be covered by solar panels, up to three metres in height. If approved, the installed capacity of up to 5MW would provide enough electricity for approximately 1,320 homes.

Approximately 18,280 panels would be installed rated at 270W with the lower edge around one metre above ground level enabling safe grazing by smaller livestock.

The planning approval would be for a temporary period of 23 years, the same length of time that the wind turbines are set to be in operation, and the developers are offering to add to the £40,000 made available for local community causes.

Banks said that it has designed the project to allow for its existing grid connection on the Penny Hill site to be used for the new scheme, and is also using the existing access tracks to further minimise any impact on the local community.

The plans state that a key characteristic of the development is its "low impact and high reversibility," adding that "the design will not involve the introduction of concrete foundations or large areas of hardstanding. This will enable the infrastructure to be easily removed following its operational life and the site to be restored to its current arable use."

It adds: "The site is well contained by the surrounding landform and is screened by the boundary vegetation. Effects on landscape character and landscape value are not predicted to be significant. Due to the topography visibility is predicted to be limited to 1km, and effects will reduce quickly with distance. Where there will be visibility, the solar farm would be viewed in the context of the nearby M1 motorway."

Lewis Stokes, development relations coordinator at Banks Renewables, said: "We have held a number of consultation events and meetings in the community about the proposals, and the response has been fantastic. We know the benefits delivered as part of the Penny Hill wind farm have had a huge impact on projects locally and the solar farm brings an opportunity to do further work in the community.

"However we're not only looking to create a positive effect within nearby communities, we will also encourage greater biodiversity and support the creation of enhanced habitats alongside increasing the amount of clean, green energy we produce at Penny Hill site working with the relevant bodies and local interest groups too."

Banks Renewables website

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News: Penny Hill solar farm plans go on show

As the Government brings forward an end to new public subsidies for onshore wind farms, Banks Renewables has unveiled plans for its proposed 5MW solar photo voltaic (PV) scheme next its current wind farm at Ulley in Rotherham.

The Durham-based developer secured planning permission for the six turbine wind farm at Ulley in 2010. Backed by £21m from the Co-operative Bank, turbines with a maximum height of 132m were built on green belt land to the west of the junction of the M1 and M18.

With an installed capacity of 20.4MW, the Penny Hill wind farm began producing energy in 2013. It produces enough energy to meet the annual electricity consumption requirements of over 12,000 homes – or around ten per cent of all the homes in the Rotherham area.

Now the developer has made its move into the solar energy market and hosted a public exhibition this week to show proposals to create a solar farm on the South East corner of its Penny Hill wind farm site. Environmental investigations have recently been carried out on site to finalise the design of the solar farm.

Approximately six hectares of current agricultural land would be covered by solar panels, up to three metres in height. If approved, the installed capacity of up to 5MW would provide enough electricity for approximately 1,320 homes.

The planning approval would be for a temporary period of 23 years, the same length of time that the wind turbines are set to be in operation, and the developers are offering to add to the £40,000 made available for local community causes.

Banks said that it is designing the project to allow for its existing grid connection on the Penny Hill site to be used for the new scheme, and is also looking at using the existing access tracks to further minimise any impact on the local community.

It added that the part of the site was chosen as it is the furthest away from the village of Ulley, and its layout would mean that the scheme would not be visible from most of that village or from the nearby village of Brampton.

Phil Dyke, development director at Banks Renewables (pictured), said: "The Penny Hill wind farm has been running well for the last two years, and the positive impact that the community funds generated by it is already being felt right across the area.

"The proposals we're now putting forward would enable us to substantially increase the annual amount available for local community improvement projects, and would enable us to make an even greater positive difference to the area by supporting projects that local people want to see actioned.

"The part of the Penny Hill site that we've chosen for the solar PV scheme lends itself well to this sort of development, alongside having minimal visibility from surrounding communities, and we would implement a land management plan over the project's 25 year lifespan that would encourage greater biodiversity and support the creation of enhanced habitats for local flora and fauna.

"We believe this is an excellent location for a scheme which would enable us to increase the amount of clean, green energy we produce at the Penny Hill site."

Banks Renewables website

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News: Energy Minister visits Rotherham wind farm

The Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, the Rt Hon Edward Davey MP, has been to visit the site of South Yorkshire's newest wind farm, in Ulley, Rotherham.

Mr Davey took a tour of the new £21.9m Penny Hill wind farm, which is located on green belt land to the west of the junction of the M1 and M18, alongside representatives of the Barlborough-based business behind the scheme, Banks Renewables.

The six-turbine scheme began generating renewable energy earlier this year, and is now making a significant contribution towards meeting Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's renewable energy targets.

With an installed capacity of 20.4MW, the Penny Hill wind farm will produce enough energy to meet the annual electricity consumption requirements of over 12,000 homes – or around ten per cent of all the homes in the Rotherham area.

Around 30 jobs were created directly on site through the construction of the Penny Hill scheme, with related contracts worth over £1.1m awarded to businesses across Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

In addition to this, Banks has already made a further £50,000 investment to help establish a Warm Zone scheme across the Rotherham area. This scheme will deliver practical measures such as cavity wall insulation and loft insulation into local homes.

Ed Davey MP (pictured above, left), said: "I am delighted to have visited the Penny Hill wind farm, which has created jobs and delivered a range of community and environmental benefits in partnership with local people.

"We remain committed to the deployment of appropriately-sited onshore wind as a key part of a diverse, low-carbon and secure energy mix."

Phil Dyke, development director at Banks Renewables (pictured above, right), added: "We were extremely pleased to welcome the Secretary of State to our Penny Hill Wind Farm, and believe that the way in which it has been developed, built and now operates provides a model of best practice for the industry.

"The most recent Department of Energy & Climate Change figures shows that wind power generated 5.5% of the UK’s electricity needs in 2012, compared to 4% in 2011, but there remains an increasingly pressing need for us to generate substantially more of the energy we all use from such indigenous renewable sources, and we're extremely pleased to be playing our part in meeting this crucial objective."

Banks Renewables website

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News: First turbine tower complete at Rotherham wind farm

Work on the construction of the first turbine tower at the £21.9m Penny Hill wind farm in Rotherham has been completed.

Banks Renewables secured planning permission for the six turbine wind farm at Ulley in 2010. Turbines with a maximum height of 132m, are set to be built on green belt land to the west of the junction of the M1 and M18.

Around 30 jobs are being created directly on site through the construction of the scheme, with a number of contracts also being awarded to local firms for the supply of materials and sub-contract works.

The turbines that have been specified for the scheme have the highest capacity of any ever used in a UK onshore wind farm and are expected to be generating electricity by the end of March.

With an installed capacity of 20.4MW, the Penny Hill wind farm will produce enough energy to meet the annual electricity consumption requirements of over 12,000 homes – or around ten per cent of all the homes in the Rotherham area.

In addition to this, Banks has already made a further £50,000 investment to help establish a Warm Zone scheme across the Rotherham area. This scheme will deliver practical measures such as cavity wall insulation and loft insulation into local homes.

Phil Dyke, development director at Banks Renewables, said: "Erecting the first turbines towers is obviously a real landmark for us, and takes us ever closer to being able to generate substantial amounts of renewable energy from the Penny Hill scheme.

"A great deal of work went into the planning of our delivery schedule to both minimise local traffic disruption and ensure that everyone is fully kept up to date on when deliveries are scheduled to take place, and we're very pleased with how things have gone so far.

"Further deliveries will take place over the coming weeks to enable us to continue the construction process, and we will ensure that everyone remains fully informed about the schedule ahead of any convoys' arrival.

"The wind farm is already making a positive contribution to the local area in several different ways, including new jobs, supply chain support and the Warm Zone scheme, and with regular funding from the wind farm's benefits fund still to come, this is just the beginning of the long-term, positive impact that our work here will have on the local community."

Banks Renewables website

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