A popular North Yorkshire museum fears it will be put at risk if a large solar farm is allowed to be built in neighbouring fields.
Eden Camp Modern History Museum near Malton houses thousands of military artefacts in Britain’s only fully preserved former prisoner of war camp.
But it is being placed “in danger” by plans to build the green energy facility in a field just eight metres behind its new Heritage Hall, which stores military vehicles.
Eden Camp managing director Howard Johnson has laid out his objections in a letter to Ryedale District Council.
He believes the solar farm poses a fire risk and will create noise pollution.
“The proximity for the proposed site, in particular its battery storage BESS, to Eden Camp Modern History Museum is quite frankly terrifying,” he writes.
“Looking at the fire hazards introduced with the battery and storage areas, surely it is impractical and dangerous to have next to such a vast site as Eden Camp, not to mention the threat to an important piece of local and national heritage.
“There are serious risks associated with lithium-ion battery energy storage systems.
“Thermal runaway can release toxic and explosive gases, and the problem can spread from one malfunctioning cell to neighbouring cells, resulting in catastrophe.”
He adds: “Looking at the blueprint for the map, there must be a better location for the battery storage to be placed, as well the plant altogether. The proximity also poses a threat to our staff and visitors through gas leakage.”
Mr Johnson also says the potential noise from a substation transformer could cause problems for the museum and its 130,000 visitors a year.
“This is deeply concerning for our business operations, as we have live events, parades, services of remembrance and peaceful picnic areas on site, all of which are adjacent to this proposed dangerous BESS storage area.”
He says he fully supports green energy, “and can demonstrate my support through Eden Camp’s Green Policy, carbon zero ambitions and the progress we have made so far”.
Plans for the Old Malton Solar Farm, including a battery energy storage system with associated infrastructure including substation, access tracks, pole mounted CCTV, fencing and landscaping for a period of 40 years, are in with Ryedale District Council.
More than 300 people have submitted formal objections to the plans.
Harmony Energy said it would create enough electricity to power 8,660 homes a year.
You can read the plans and comment here.
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