Enviromena Project Management UK Ltd has submitted plans for a photovoltaic facility on green belt land near Grimethorpe, Barnsley, designed to operate for 40 years with a generating capacity of 49.9MW. The installation would produce sufficient electricity to supply approximately 25,000 homes and is attracting divided responses from residents and local figures.

Local ward councillors and the area's Member of Parliament have raised concerns about the conversion of agricultural land, visual impact on the landscape, proximity to a primary school, and potential disruption to wildlife and traffic patterns. Initial consultation produced 48 objections and 5 supportive letters, though a subsequent re-consultation yielded notably different results with 17 objections and 206 letters of support. Proponents of the scheme highlight its role in renewable energy generation, the estimated elimination of over 14,000 tonnes of annual carbon dioxide emissions, and substantial economic contributions to the local area. The Barnsley planning committee will make its determination at a meeting on 14 July 2026.