Concerns are mounting over potential plans for another large-scale solar farm in the North Yorkshire countryside.

An environmental impact assessment screening request has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council for a ground mounted solar farm – which would have a capacity of 22MW per year – at land south of Tunstall, near Catterick Garrison.

Applicant Enviromena is preparing to submit planning permission to the authority for the scheme on land between Tunstall and East Appleton.

The firm states the solar farm would create enough renewable energy to power about 11,305 homes annually.

There are two other operational solar farms next to the site at East Appleton. The construction of the proposed development is anticipated to take seven months.

However, the plans have been met with opposition from residents, the North Yorkshire Local Access Forum (NYLAF), and the local branch of the British Horse Society.

NYLAF vice chair Patricia Coulson said: "NYLAF has serious concerns, partly due to the inadequacy of the drawing which fails to show the public rights of way that run adjacent and through the proposed site and therefore appear to be disregarded by the applicant.

"There are also safety implications in connection with this application regarding the proposed increased vehicular access during construction and subsequently for maintenance that will impact on the public rights of way."

British Horse Society volunteer Caroline Bradley said: "The plans suggest motorised vehicular access to the site for maintenance will be in part along a public bridleway; and also onto the access track for the existing solar farm at East Appleton.

"This represents a significant impact on the public path network, in particular the public bridleway network which is a precious public resource for vulnerable road users which includes walkers, horse riders and cyclists. BHS objects to the proposal."

A Richmond resident added: "Aside from the very obvious impact on the owners of the nearby properties and the negative impact on public bridleways and rights of way, the proposed access via Stripe Line is completely unsuitable for any additional traffic.

"The adjacent fields are leased to horse owners and this lane is their only access when taking their horses out for exercise.

"As flight animals, the risk of accident is very high when horses are frightened. Encountering construction vehicles and increased traffic on a small lane with nowhere to move out of the way is asking for trouble for the animals, their handlers and the drivers."

However Enviromena stated: "The project will deliver net beneficial gains for biodiversity. Solar farm installations have a small footprint on the land they occupy, leaving considerable scope for biodiversity enhancements.

"Research has shown that responsibly managed solar farms can play an important role in reducing the decline in biodiversity.

"Existing trees and hedgerows will be retained and protected, and supplemented by additional native species planting to support local habitats as part of a wider ecological network.

"We are committed to using local suppliers and contractors during construction and long-term operation of the project, which will benefit the local economy, and provide jobs to people in the local area.

"The proposal does not require the stopping or diversion of any public rights of way.

"This is a temporary development, allowing the land to rest for the period of operation up to 40 years."

To view the plans, visit planning.richmondshire.gov.uk, using reference ZD24/00527/EIASCR.