Telford solar farm set to win approval
Multi-million pound plans for Telford to become a leading light in solar power look set to go ahead.
A 30-acre site would become only the second council-run solar farm in the UK if councillors approve the scheme.
The £6 million scheme would see 16,400 solar panels planted on a field near to the Jigsaw School in Wheat Leasows, Hadley.
The panels, standing up to 9ft high, would produce four megawatts of power, enough to serve 800 homes. The authority's planning committee will consider whether to grant full permission at its meeting next Wednesday at Meeting Point House.
Officers today advised members to approve the plan subject to conditions.
Planning case officer Kate Stephens has said in a report: "While the temporary loss of some 11 hectares of agricultural land is regrettable, the site can still be used for sheep grazing. The proposed ground mounted solar panels are a reversible form of development and after the 20-25 year life the land could be returned to agriculture.
"There will be some visual impact when viewing the site close up and residential properties along the site's northern boundary will be most affected by being able to see the development. However, this has to be balanced against the provision of a renewable energy generating scheme."
The council expects to run the solar farm for about 25 years.
Start-up costs are expected to be £6 million but the council has predicted a profit of £5 million over its 25 years.
