THE company behind a proposed solar energy park has defended its plans after 133 objections from residents.

Exagen, a London-based solar energy firm, is hoping to get the green light from Northumberland County Council to build a solar park with an export capacity of approximately 40 megawatt (MW) (but not exceeding 49.9MW) and will be laid out across various field enclosures across land southwest of Whittonstall, otherwise referred to as the ‘Main Site’.

Since its application admitted in May last year, there has been 133 objections and a Stop Highfield Energy Park group has been formed.

The group has highlighted its worry about 'vague answers' contained within a recent consultation report Exagen released, and said that it falls 'woefully short of explanations and brushing a lot of the concerns to one side'.

Campaign team member Rachel Beckett said: “This dismissive approach is consistent with Exagen’s behaviour to date, with a total disregard for any real-time consultation with ourselves, local residents and field experts.

"Exagen have made it clear themselves, this is simply a money-making exercise by a company that has demonstrated on numerous occasions that they’re prepared to put profit over anything else.”

Defending the Exagen's application, Mark Rowcroft, managing director said: “Exagen has reviewed all submitted representations to the Highfield planning application and has responded with some amendments to the design.

"Most significantly, through consultation with Northumberland County Council, the design of the battery storage compound now addresses previous points raised by the Fire and Rescue Service around layout, emergency access and the provision of water hydrants and fire water containment in full compliance with National Fire Chief Council BESS guidance.

"The site selection process and rationale is clearly set out in our application documents.

"The solar farm is located wholly outside the green belt, with the location of the much smaller battery storage and substation compound (1.23 acres of infrastructure) being just inside the green belt – as dictated by the only viable connection to the existing overhead power line between Coalburns and Hexham.

"In response to comments arising from the Council’s independent landscape review, amendments have been made to the proposed earthworks and the new woodland planting has been re-designed.

"The security arrangements proposed are in line with solar installations across the UK and the latest available security technologies will be used.

"Our extensive consultation process reached well beyond statutory bodies to include local communities and their representatives, via best practice methods such as a project website, three well attended in-person public consultation sessions, an online webinar, leaflets, and multiple meetings with local stakeholders.

"Highfield Energy Park is an excellent location for a solar farm. It is on lower yielding Grade 4 and Grade 5 agricultural land; at a former open cast coal mining site and benefits from existing mature landscaping.

"It will enable more diverse habitats to be created while allowing the existing field margin and woodland habitats to extend into the site – using a mix of new native hedges, trees and new wildflower meadow planting resulting in significant biodiversity net gain for habitats of more than 91 per cent."

Northumberland County Council will be decide the projects future at next month’s planning meeting.