Plans for a solar farm on historically important farmland in North Yorkshire have sparked concerns.
The site has been questioned regarding its impact on an archaeological landscape that contains prehistoric, Roman and medieval remains.
Energy company Enviromena has submitted proposals to develop agricultural land between Bedale and Exelby, but the scheme faces questions about the site's suitability given its archaeological significance.
The company has requested a ruling from North Yorkshire Council on whether an environmental impact assessment would be required for any future planning application.
Enviromena maintains the solar development would contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and could help address biodiversity decline.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from heritage experts and local residents who warn the site contains evidence of human activity spanning thousands of years.
Historic England has highlighted the exceptional archaeological value of the proposed site, which lies near the boundary of Thorp Perrow's Grade II registered park and gardens.
A spokesman for Historic England said the location was in an area that demanded "a high level of archaeological assessment".
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|Plans for a solar farm on historically important farmland in North Yorkshire have sparked concerns
They added: "In very simple terms, the application site sits within a landscape shaped by human activity over a considerable time-depth."
The heritage body warned that the development could affect historically important landscapes for many years to come.
"This proposal would involve structures which could impact upon elements which contribute to the significance and enjoyment of landscapes of historic or cultural importance for many years," the spokesman added.
The site contains evidence of prehistoric, Roman and medieval activity.
Energy company Enviromena has submitted proposals to develop agricultural land between Bedale and Exelby
Critics describe it as an "extremely significant" historic landscape.
The proposal has generated significant local opposition, with more than 80 objections filed.
Critics argue the development could cause environmental damage rather than benefits.
One objector highlighting concerns about its "size, location, and potential cumulative and irreversible impacts on agricultural land".
North Yorkshire Local Access Forum expressed "grave concern" about the scheme, particularly regarding access along a narrow public lane used by pedestrians and unsuitable for construction vehicles.
The forum noted that two public footpaths cross the site and warned "the public pleasure of these when surrounded by solar panels would be seriously diminished."
The forum suggested the application should not proceed given the constraints of existing highway law.
Two submissions supporting the development have been filed, citing the need for clean energy sources.