Isle of Wight prison looks to go green with solar farm plans

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.

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 will share a boundary with Parkhurst prison.

Plans for the proposed solar farm. (Picture: Mace)

The farm would have the capacity to generate 19.14 per cent of the prison's yearly energy demand.

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.

The site as shown by Google Maps.

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.

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.

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.