Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Kylie Minogue

Light Up

Listen Live

Banking giant bids for almost 800 solar panels at Harrogate offices

Wednesday, 15 May 2024 07:18

By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter

Vocalink offices. (Photo: Mastercard)

Mastercard has applied to North Yorkshire Council to erect 779 solar panels at offices in Cardale Park in Harrogate.

The company owns payment systems provider Vocalink which has a base at the business park off Otley Road.

The building houses Mastercard’s Harrogate data centre, which the company said in planning documents processes data for companies in the financial services sector.

The nature of its operations means that it is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

In the planning application, the firm said solar-powered green energy could generate around 25% of all the electricity used on the site if approved.

The solar panels would be placed adjacent to the offices and the council had asked that a ‘glint and glare’ assessment be provided to assess the potential impact on the surroundings.

This report concluded that throughout the year, car drivers at Cardale Park and nearby residents would be subjected to “minor to moderate” distressful conditions from the solar panels.

It said the glare can be avoided with the help of mitigation measures including planting hedgerows.

A design and access statement attached to the application said:

“The PV panels will be used to generate green energy to power the data centre housed within 4 Cardale Park.

"Mastercard are intending to reduce the emissions generated through their operations onsite and in conjunction with the existing PV panels on the roof of the site, a significant amount of green energy can be produced.

“The fence proposed will secure the field where the PV panels will be sited and be 2.4m in height and green coloured.

"The colour of the fence will blend in with the planning proposed but will largely be screened from view as a result of the proposed planting.”

North Yorkshire Council will decide on the plans at a later date.

More from Local News

New CEO appointed to lead Harrogate Neighbours into its next chapter

After 21 years as CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, Sue Cawthray is officially stepping down. The group is delighted to welcome Helena Evans as its new CEO.
88 year old woman dies following collision on St Winifred's Road

Police are appealing for witnesses following the death of an 88 year old woman.
Internationally acclaimed cellist and singer to open 60th Harrogate Music Festival

Internationally acclaimed cellist, singer and composer Abel Selaocoe will open the 60th anniversary HACS Harrogate Music Festival with a special performance alongside the Bantu Ensemble this weekend.
Harrogate hospice charity launches 'Dedicate a Daisy' appeal

Saint Michael's Hospice in Harrogate have launched their new appeal, 'Dedicate a Daisy'.
Harrogate Town Council shares first ever annual report

The Town Council presented their first annual report at the annual meeting last week.
Harrogate Town Unveil New Home Kit for 2026/26 Season

After an incredible in-store reveal with Jack Evans this morning, the 2026/27 home shirt is now available.
Harrogate resident latest to scoop free tank of fuel

Free Fuel Friday returned this morning, giving Your Harrogate listeners the chance to bag a full tank of free fuel.
20-person brawl breaks out at Ripon pub

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and "large-scale disorder" at the One Eyed Rat pub in Ripon earlier this month.
RAF flypast planned over Harrogate district next weekend

A number of wartime aircrafts are set to fly over the Harrogate district next weekend.
Three hotels in Harrogate district named among best in UK by Telegraph

Three hotels in the Harrogate district have been named among the best places to stay in the UK by The Telegraph.
Petition calls for action to protect Knaresborough Castle

A petition calling for urgent action to protect and restore Knaresborough Castle is set to be debated by councillors after attracting more than 500 signatures.
Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show returns this weekend

Hundreds of vehicles and a range of family attractions are set to take over Harrogate Rugby Club this weekend as the Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show and Family Fun Day returns.
Solar panels installed at Ripon Leisure Centre to help cut energy bills

Nearly 1,000 solar panels have been installed at three North Yorkshire leisure facilities in a move that is set to reduce energy costs by hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Police make arrest after fight on Harrogate street

Police are appealing for information about a violent incident that occurred at Fairfax Avenue in Harrogate.
Harrogate IT business 'incredibly proud' to represent town at national awards

A Harrogate computer and IT business has been named as a finalist in four categories at the national Tech Awards 2026.
Harrogate school fair to showcase young musical talent

Young performers from Harrogate are set to take to the stage alongside professional musicians as part of a new live music event at Rossett Acre Primary School's annual Summer Fair.
Harrogate care team conquers 45km charity walk

A Harrogate care team has completed a 45km charity walk in scorching heat, raising more than £1,300 for two local organisations supporting older people.
Increase in shoppers being duped by AI 'High Street' scams

Shoppers hunting for online bargains are being duped by sophisticated scam websites that convincingly pose as well known UK high street retailers, North Yorkshire trading standards officers have warned.
Financial investigators brought in to examine council-owned house builder

North Yorkshire Council has brought in financial investigators to look into its loss-making housing company Brierley Homes, it has emerged.
Comedy legend to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour

Comedy icon Harry Enfield is set to visit Harrogate later this year as part of his latest UK tour.