There has been backlash against a decision to approve a 56-hectare solar farm on green belt land in Backworth.
Backworth couple Max and Jowita Seed have started a petition calling for the Northumberland Estates development to be scrapped. At the time of publication, the petition has amassed 93 signatures.
Mr and Mrs Seed have strongly criticised the development and spoke publicly against the application at North Tyneside Council's planning committee meeting last week. However, despite this, the application was narrowly granted by councillors.
The couple are continuing a campaign to halt construction claiming the consultation process prior to the meeting was too limited and poorly advertised. They are also worried about how such a large development could affect locals and the environment.
Max said: "I fully support the move to green energy and I do see solar as part of the solution but there were four other possible sites identified by the applicant.
"Why sacrifice the green belt and green space when there are other places it could go."
Jowita commented: "There are better alternatives. including roof-tile panels. We don't feel that this has been given enough attention as opposed to the solar farm.
"There is also a cycle route there. How is that safe? These things have not been considered.
"The council say there are committed to getting more people outside, I don't think anybody would want to walk or cycle along the farm next to signs saying 'Danger'."
Jowita was also concerned the farm would displace the native fauna and flora including bats and birds.
In response to the petition, North Tyneside Council said the application has been through its planning process with the opportunity to raise objections during that time.
Northumberland Estates responded to the accusations laid in the petition stating an ecological assessment of the development demonstrated a biodiversity net gain. The firm also countered claims from the petition that the site was chosen because the green space would be cheaper to develop.
The company stated: "The site was fully assessed and was selected from several different landscapes as the most viable scheme with an on-grid connection." The property giant also stated there are no public rights of way on the site.
Barry Spall, development planner, Northumberland Estates, said: "We are pleased to have obtained planning permission for a solar farm in Backworth. Once fully operational, the 28-megawatt capacity site will offset 7,487 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and has the potential to power nearly 9,000 homes each year.
"The application aligns with the Council’s ambition to make North Tyneside carbon net-zero by 2030 and was recommended for approval after the use of green belt land was considered against the benefits of renewable energy generation. There will be no impact on the future use of land for agriculture and we are looking at the potential of grazing livestock alongside the scheme.”
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