(Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING PORTAL)
A solar farm near Bishop Auckland could be refused by councillors after concerns from residents that the scheme was "utter madness".
Durham County Council's planning committee will consider plans for a solar farm on land east of Addison Road, Toronto, today (Wednesday, October 7) after officers recommended the scheme be refused.
The proposed development would cover 47 hectares of farmland and include solar panels, a substation, access tracks, fencing and CCTV.
Developers say it would generate enough electricity to power around 10,000 homes a year.
Plans for a solar farm near Bishop Auckland could be refused after council officers said they would have 'harm' to the landscape. (Image: Adobe Stock)
The application has attracted significant opposition, with the council receiving 38 responses during consultation, including 36 objections and two letters of support.
Objectors raised concerns over the loss of farmland, damage to countryside views, effects on wildlife and nearby nature reserves, increased construction traffic and flooding risks.
The committee report says many feared the scheme would result in the "industrialisation of the countryside".
One resident argued the development would "significantly alter the character of the surrounding landscape", while another described the proposal as "utter madness" because of its proximity to nature reserves.
However, supporters said the plans "will provide important green infrastructure for the area" and argued developments such as the Toronto scheme are needed to help meet renewable energy targets.
Planning officers acknowledge the solar farm would bring renewable energy, economic and biodiversity benefits.
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However, they concluded the scheme's location would cause unacceptable landscape harm.
The report states the development would result in "unacceptable harm to the character, quality and distinctiveness of the landscape" and that its benefits do not outweigh that impact.
Durham County Council's planning committee meets on Wednesday, October 7 to decide the future of the scheme.