One of the Island’s prisons is looking to go green, with a plan to install a solar farm to provide nearly 20 per cent of its energy.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has submitted plans to the Isle of Wight Council to build a solar-powered farm at the Parkhurst site of HMP IOW, on the outskirts of Newport.
The site of the proposed solar farm at HMP Parkhurst. (Picture: Mace)
It would consist of 300 photovoltaic panels, arranged in five banks of four by 15 panels, on a field outside the main prison complex.
The farm would share a boundary with HMP Parkhurst and would have the capacity to generate 19.14 per cent of the prison’s yearly energy demand.
The site of the proposed solar farm at HMP Parkhurst. (Picture: Mace)
A cable from the solar farm would be laid into the prison, connecting to the main switchboard, so the prison can use the renewable energy created.
Planning documents say the field, was, at a site visit earlier in the year, heavily overgrown with brambles and other vegetation.
Around the panels, seeds would be planted to provide wildlife habitat, using native and naturalised small shrubs to avoid causing any shadows, including species rich grassland.
The site of the proposed solar farm at HMP Parkhurst. (Picture: Mace)
A landscape opinion, provided as part of the planning documents, by Land Use Consultants said there would be no more than minor effects on the character of the local landscape and visual amenity.
Those at greatest risk of adverse effects from the proposed development are said to be users of the paths within Parkhurst Forest and residents along the north of Noke Common. although the view will be heavily filtered by vegetation and ‘seen in context’ with prison buildings.
The site of the proposed solar farm at HMP Parkhurst. (Highlighted by the grey dot) Picture: Google Maps.
Boundary fences around the farm are also proposed, but painted green.
To view the plans, 21/01534/FUL, you can visit the council’s planning register.
Comments will be accepted until Monday, September 6.
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