Giant Shropshire solar farm gets go-ahead

Shropshire Council planners have given the go-ahead for a 35,800-panel farm covering nearly 61 acres on the outskirts of Condover, near Shrewsbury.

It is one of two major solar farm plans – a scheme has also been put forward for one in Hadley, Telford, which it is hoped will provide electricity for up to 1,000 homes.

The Condover scheme was approved at the meeting at Shirehall yesterday despite opposition from the parish council and residents who claimed there had been a "whitewash" in allowing the decision to go through.

Councillors had deferred their decision on the plans in December to read an Environment Agency report on potential flooding issues at the Green Farm site, but said last month they were minded to approve the plans. The EA report offered no objection, but highlighted two areas of potential flood risks.

Councillors voted through the plans by Monmouth firm Solar Building Company with a condition that no equipment is sited in two specific areas unless fresh applications showing they would be safe to use are submitted.

Tony Cordery, representing residents from Boreton, which neighbours the planned site, said they had been left "disillusioned" with the consultation process. "This has been a whitewash and we have been ignored," he said.

Councillor David Humphrey, from Condover Parish Council, said concerns about flooding meant other sites nearby should be considered. "To even consider this application with its problems when there are perfectly adequate sites available beggars belief," he said.

But councillors said they had to make a decision on the site presented to them.

Councillor Peter Nutting said none of the technical experts consulted about the scheme had objected, giving the committee little choice but to allow the scheme to go ahead.