ABEI Energy has applied to build the solar farm and battery storage unit on land to the north of the Peterlee Industrial EstateBill Edgar, Bill Edgar and Local Democracy Reporter
20:41, 15 Aug 2025Updated 20:42, 15 Aug 2025
A general image of solar panels on a solar farm(Image: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire)
A proposal to construct a solar farm in County Durham has been criticised for its “enormous” impact on local residents’ lives. ABEI Energy, a renewable energy firm, has submitted an application to build a solar farm and battery storage unit that would span an area equivalent to 35 football pitches.
The proposed development site is located north of the Peterlee Industrial Estate. However, a local resident expressed concerns that their peaceful countryside views would be replaced by hundreds of reflective panels.
Natalie Wilson, who resides near the proposed site, stated: “It will be extremely visually intrusive to ourselves, who have farmed this area for four generations now. Its presence will be literally outside of our windows and over the hedge to our adjoining land. The impact it will have, visually on the open countryside of this area is enormous.” Earlier this month, ChronicleLive reported that plans for a solar farm in Northumberland were rejected as councillors called for the ‘stunning’ landscape to be protected.
The solar farm, if approved, would have a generating capacity of 15 megawatts and could power approximately 5,000 homes. It would be operational for around 40 years.
However, Ms Wilson pointed out that the area has already seen a surge in similar applications. A large strip of land immediately north of the industrial estate is currently occupied by solar panels.
She further added: “Another eight of these developments are also earmarked for this area. Why? How many more do we need around here? Safety surrounding the battery storage facility is also a major concern, not just to us, living and working in such close proximity, but to the reservoir situated a short distance away.”
The opposition follows contact made with nearby residents by the applicant during the planning consultation process.
Among the 10 individuals who responded to a survey regarding the proposals, six opposed the location whilst two supported it.
“The layout and design of the proposed solar farm has been adapted since the public engagement to minimise landscape impact as well as improving on the biodiversity of the site,” ABEI Energy said.
Durham County Council will review the application in due course.
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