Two Shropshire solar farms could power 4,000 homes

Lightsource Renewable Energy has drawn up provisional designs for the solar farms, one near Whitchurch, the other close to the village of Burlton.

The plans have been made available to the local communities around each site with a call for local wildlife groups, schools, businesses and residents to get involved.

If the solar farms go ahead, more than 4,200 homes will be powered by locally-produced electricity.

The two suggested sites are Hadley Farm, Whitchurch, and land of the B4397 in Burlton.

The proposals could save more than 7,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, planners have said.

Conor McGuigan, planning and development director at Lightsource said: "A solar farm has the potential to produce more than just energy - the wide field margins and spaces between the rows of modules create an abundance of open grassland.

"This can be responsibly managed as agricultural land, or used to increase biodiversity and enhance habitats for wildlife.

"Our proposals for Shropshire will do both of these things – with sheep grazing implemented on both solar farms and bespoke biodiversity management plans in place to ensure native species benefit from our planting, seeding and habitat creation. It is still early days and we are keen for local businesses, residents and wildlife enthusiasts to help shape these plans as our proposals evolve."

There are many ways people can get involved in the projects, from the point of design through to construction work or providing accommodation and services.

Lightsource is currently seeking the following regional expertise and involvement in the schemes such as storage and logistic businesses, wildlife enthusiasts, fencing experts, accommodation providers and landscapers.

Mr McGuigan said: "Energy security is an important issue for Britain at the moment, but it has to be addressed in the right way. We have chosen to progress our plans for these sites in particular because the topography and vegetation allow us to position the solar farms sensitively within the landscape to keep views to a minimum.

"All surrounding vegetation will be retained and we anticipate planting new hedgerows which will also provide valuable habitats for wildlife.

"Our planners work with ecologists to devise planting plans and enhancements for each site which become integral to our projects. Our initial thoughts for Hadley Farm and the Land East of the B4397 include wild flower seeding to encourage bees and insects, log pile habitats for reptiles and amphibians, and bird, bat and barn owl boxes to encourage nesting and roosting in the area."

Drop in evenings to discuss and view plans for the sites have been arranged.

On Monday at Loppinton Village Hall from 5.30pm to 8pm the Burlton plans will be on display and on May 27 from 5.30pm to 8pm, the Hadley Farm plans will be on display at Beechtree Community Centre in Whitchurch.