Solar farm would be "blot" on the Ludlow landscape, councillors warn

A parish council has unanimously agreed to object to plans for an 8,600kW 'solar park' between Caynham and Whitton, near Ludlow, saying the proposed site is "in the wrong place" and will damage tourism in the countryside around the town.

Barbara Ashford, chair of Caynham Parish Council, said: "We had a site visit followed by a meeting of the parish council, and that was the only item on the agenda.

"It was a unanimous decision that we would object to it.

"The council feel that this is too large in the setting they're proposing to put it."

The solar farm is earmarked for land off Hope Bagot Lane, near Whitton, by developers EBS Energy LLP.

Councillor Ashford said: "It's industrial landscape going into beautiful countryside and it's only 400 metres from the edge of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"It will be seen from places like Mortimer Forest and Caynham Camp hillfort.

"It's really a blot on the landscape. Ludlow relies for tourism on its beautiful hinterland, and the last things tourists want to see is 43 acres of solar panels.

"It's the wrong thing in the wrong place."

Her views echo that of 14 residents who have objected to the plan.

Resident Jane van Duijvenvoorde said: "As a keen walker I am particularly concerned about the proximity to the Whitewayhead footpath.

"There has been no heritage report so far and this would show that this is an historic salt route between Droitwich and Ludlow.

"It would also be a great shame to spoil the views from Caynham Camp and Cleehill."

Husband Peter van Duijvenvoorde added: "There would be no benefits to the local community. In fact, the development would be expected to have a negative impact on local tourism.

"The development would adversely affect the landscape and the proposed screening would not block the view from public footpaths, bridleways, or vantage points in areas of heritage value or outstanding natural beauty."

However, Guy Maxfield, speaking on behalf of agents Roger Parry and Partners, said the site had been "carefully chosen for its remote, sheltered and concealed situation," and would be screened by "surrounding mature hedgerows, trees and undulating ground".

He said the scheme would generate the equivalent of electricity for 2,800 homes, and offset 3.9 million kilograms of carbon dioxide every year.

A second large solar farm, over 54 acres at Henley Bank near Acton Scott, between Church Stretton and Craven Arms, has also been proposed, again with local objections.

Meanwhile a campaign has begun to stop solar farms springing up on the hills around nearby Cleobury Mortimer.

The Save Our Green Hills fight is a reaction to solar energy firms setting their sights on two farms around Neen Sollars.

Residents say such schemes would destroy the beauty of their rolling hills.