Historic four-star hotel to be powered by its own solar farm
Plans to build a solar farm to power a four-star hotel which dates back to 1700 have been given the go-ahead.
Wakefield Council approved proposals for the renewable energy scheme at Wentbridge House Hotel near Pontefract.
The project involves installing 1,800 solar panel in a field to the rear of the popular wedding venue on Great North Road.
A statement submitted on behalf of applicant James Page said the development could reduce electricity bills for the business by 80 per cent.
It said: “It is this financial benefit that is the main driver behind this proposal.
“This solar development proposal will significantly reduce the applicant’s requirement for grid supplied electricity, thus allowing them to benefit from the reduced cost of renewable energy generated on site.
“The business relies entirely upon grid supplied electricity to power its kitchens, lighting circuits and air conditioning systems and over the last year it has purchased more than 240,000 units of daytime electricity.”
The statement said any surplus energy generated would be sold back to the National Grid.
The hotel was described as a “significant source of local employment”, with 35 full-time and 17 part-time staff, and up to 29 seasonal workers.
The document, submitted by Boston Renewables Limited, said the panels would remain in place for more than 30 years at the greenbelt site.
It said: “The applicant is committed to continuing to run its hospitality and events business, and to do so it must remain financially viable.
“We believe that this proposal will not give rise to any meaningful adverse impacts and will positively contribute to meeting national targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the development of the UK’s low carbon economy.”
The council’s conservation officer initially raised concerns due to the site being next to a conservation area.
The officer also commented: “Wentbridge is known for its close association with the tale of Robin Hood and, in more recent times, for its mid-20th century viaduct, which is one of the largest in Europe and recognised with Grade II listing.”
The scheme was approved subject to a condition that trees around the site were protected and retained to screen the development.
A planning officer’s report said the scheme met “very special circumstances” required for development in the greenbelt.
They said: “Significant weight has been attached to the environmental benefits in this instance.
“Weight has also been attached to the economic benefits in securing the optimal viable use of the site.”
Wentbridge House is thought to date back to 1700 and became the home of the Leatham family in 1883.
Edmund Leatham was a partner in Yorkshire banking firm Leatham, Tew and Co, which became part of Barclays Bank.
The building was used as an army headquarters during World War Two and was converted into a hotel in 1960.