Residents across South Yorkshire are being urged to join a mass demonstration to protect local countryside from a proposed solar farm development. Campaign group Save Our Greenbelt – Conisbrough Parks is calling on people to take part in a Community Support Walk across the area on Saturday, September 5 at 11am.
Organisers hope families and local supporters will gather at Park Lane, Sheffield Road (A630), Conisbrough, to show their opposition to the Whitestone Solar Farm project. The event is free, with off-road parking available, and has been made family-friendly – attendees are encouraged to dress in historic costumes or bring a picnic.
Official deadline extended for objections
The mass gathering comes as the official deadline for residents to submit formal objections has been extended. The extra time was granted following issues over paper registration forms that were handed out by developers without official approval. Campaigners say the error highlights ongoing flaws with how the public consultation process has been managed.
Philip Knight, secretary of Save Our Greenbelt – Conisbrough Parks, said: “We want as many people as possible to come along. You don’t have to walk the whole route – or even walk at all. Come and see everyone set off, bring a picnic and show your support.”
Concerns over farmland and heritage
Campaigners worry the green belt development will harm farmland, destroy historic sites, and disrupt local food security. Knight emphasised the importance of the landscape, saying: “This countryside is part of our heritage and our community. Once a landscape like this is fundamentally changed, future generations don’t get the opportunity to make that decision again. We want people to be able to say that when it mattered, they stood up for it.”
The group wants both Whitestone and the Planning Inspectorate to see the strength of feeling within local communities. Knight said: “We want Whitestone and, importantly, the Planning Inspectorate to see for themselves the strength of feeling within our communities.”
Support and sponsorship at the walk
Walkers have the option to seek sponsorship to help fund legal advice for the campaign, though donations are entirely voluntary. Organisers will also run drop-in support at the event to help people complete official objection forms before the new closing date.
Knight acknowledged financial pressures, saying: “We know money is tight for many families. Turning up and standing shoulder to shoulder with your community is every bit as important as making a financial contribution.” He added: “If you haven’t registered yet, please don’t assume you’ve missed your chance. The deadline has been extended to September 11. Come and speak to us at the walk and we’ll do what we can to help.”
Knight concluded: “This is a crucial stage. We want people to use the opportunity they have been given to make sure their views are heard.”
