Concerns over fast-track solar farm plans

Around 280,000 tilting solar panels will be installed on 292ha if fast-track consent is granted by the EPA. Some landowners and residents living near a proposed 280,000-panel solar farm at Glorit fear it could ruin their rural outlook, reduce property values and have significant adverse effects on the environment. Seventeen residents and organisations made submissions last month on Lightsource bp and Transpower NZ’s application to construct and operate a 179 megawatt solar farm on 292 hectares of farmland at Omaumau Road, just off State Highway 16, along with transmission lines, stopbank works...