Plans to build a new solar farm on a green belt patch of land in the west of Newcastle have sparked “outrage and dismay”.
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00:00Northumberland Estates, the Duke of Northumberland's development arm, has proposed using a field
00:05north of Hospital Lane for the solar park, which would generate enough energy to power
00:08approximately 8,795 homes annually over the next 40 years. However, the project has met
00:15strong opposition from the local community. Residents, particularly in Walbottle, have
00:21expressed outrage at the loss of green space, which they view as an important part of their
00:26One local, Geoff Brydon, criticised the plan as ridiculous, noting that it would destroy a
00:30field that families and dog walkers have used for years. He also raised concerns about the
00:35perceived inconsistency of the proposal, pointing out that the residents had previously been told
00:39they could not install solar panels on their homes due to preservation agreements in the area.
00:46A spokesperson from the Walbottle Green Space Group echoed these concerns,
00:49expressing dismay that such proposals would be considered in a historically significant
00:54rural village with conservation value. Local opposition has been voiced strongly.
01:01Northumberland Estates, however, has defended the proposal, describing the land as low-grade
01:06agricultural land that had been in arable use for at least 20 years. The company emphasised
01:12that the field is not within a local conservation area, nor does it have any specific recreational
01:16use. To address concerns about the environment, the company has committed to enhancing the site
01:21with native hedgerows, tree planting and grasslands. They also pledged to expand
01:27and improve the footpath network, providing residents with greater access to the area.
01:34Despite these reassurances, local residents remain concerned,
01:37and the matter is likely to continue generating debate.