Solar farm approved despite farming family's relocation concerns

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 06:05 · Archive

North Yorkshire Council approved a 49.9MW solar farm on agricultural land near York where a cattle farming family has worked for three generations.

North Yorkshire Council's strategic planning committee approved a 49.9MW solar farm proposed by Ampyr Solar Europe on agricultural land at Brownmoor Lane, south-west of Sutton-on-the-Forest, despite objections from local farmers.

The scheme will cover approximately 95 hectares of countryside, including around 50 acres of land farmed by the Swiers family, who have worked the land for three generations. The development includes solar panels, a 10MW battery storage facility, substation and associated infrastructure on farmland east of the A19.

Elizabeth Swires, who runs the family's cattle farming business with her son, told councillors that losing their two most productive fields could force them to relocate or give up farming. She disputed the council's soil analysis and said the family would have to determine how to farm the remaining land, or the business could end altogether.

How it is being reported

• Family may abandon farming after solar farm approved on land in North YorkshireA farming family has warned it may have to relocate or give up farming altogether after councillors approved a huge solar farm near York.The Press (York) · 14 Oct, 05:00
• Family may abandon farming after solar farm approved on land in North YorkshireA farming family has warned it may have to relocate or give up farming altogether after councillors approved a huge solar farm near York.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 14 Oct, 05:00

In this story: North Yorkshire Council · Ampyr Solar Europe · Swiers family · Sutton-on-the-Forest · Elizabeth Swires

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