00:00A Wakefield solar farm scheme is expected to provide enough renewable energy to power around 6,000 homes
00:07and reduce carbon emissions by 8,600 tonnes a year during its lifetime.
00:13Plans to build the farm across 35 hectares have been given the go-ahead by Wakefield Council.
00:19Solar panels are expected to be installed across five parcels of greenbelt land at Owlers Farm between Osset and Kirkham
00:26Gate.
00:27IBE Flush Dyke Ltd said the development would be operational for 40 years
00:31and would provide a consistent and reliable supply of renewable energy to the local distribution network.
00:37After this period, all buildings and structures would be decommissioned and removed, restoring the site to agricultural use.
00:45The council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has pledged to become a carbon-neutral district by 2036.
00:53A statement said the plan met the very special circumstances required to build on greenbelt land
00:59due to the wider public benefits it would provide.
01:03It also said the solar farm would help combat climate change, generate secure domestic renewable energy
01:08and provide a sustainable source of passive income for the agricultural unit
01:13whilst intensely farmed land can rest and retain its high quality for longer.
01:17A total of 16 objections were submitted to the council since the application was lodged in May last year.
01:23Concerns were raised over the loss of agricultural and wildlife habitats
01:26and the impact on the rural character of the area.
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