Shropshire Star

Caution from Shropshire MPs over solar farm plans for county

Plans to build several solar farms on fields across Shropshire have been met with caution by the county's MPs.

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Politicians were speaking about the 10 separate applications to turn fields in the county and Mid Wales into solar farms.

The plans have divided opinion with some neighbours saying they would prefer fields to be used for solar power than housing or wind farms but others have expressed fears it could have a detrimental impact on the character of the area's countryside.

South Shropshire MP Philip Dunne said: "I recognise the need to establish diverse renewable energy sources, both to improve Britain's energy security and for wider environmental benefits but this has to be balanced against the impact of such schemes on the local landscape and environment.

"So while in principle I support hydro, solar, anaerobic digestion, offshore wind, fracking and nuclear energy production, this should only be in locations where it is appropriate to local conditions.

"For solar farms in south Shropshire, I am concerned about the impact on the landscape.

"Solar panels should be sited mainly on existing buildings or brownfield sites, and only on agricultural land where the screening ensures minimal impact on neighbours or the landscape of South Shropshire, especially within the area of outstanding natural beauty."

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Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said solar farms were a good idea if they were in the right areas.

Mr Davies said: "Providing that there is no local opposition and that the site can easily access a National Grid line so that no extra pylons have to be built to connect the supply, then I have no problems with them.

"There is a solar farm in Westbury that I have visited, and that seems to work very well.

"The former farmer said that as he understood the solar farms do not damage the land ithey are sited on.

"The grass still grows underneath the solar panels and sheep can still be grazed underneath them.

"I can see scope in the future for market gardening underneath the panels."

Mark Pritchard, MP for the Wrekin, added: "Solar should play a part in the county and country's energy mix.

"Diversification will help keep the nation's lights on and improve the UK's energy security for the future.

"However, the siting of solar farms should not create planning blight or become an eyesore and be constructed with local support".

Daniel Kawczynski MP for Shrewsbury was also cautious, saying: "Solar farms are very much for the council to adjudicate as it is very much a planning matter but it is important that we have a mix of sources of electricity and as wide a selection as possible.

"This is important for the future electricity and for rural farmers to get support for their incomes and solar farms are a good source of income from their land.

"In this country we do not want to be in a position where we are reliant on importing power in to the country and we should support things that will help avoid that."

David Wright, MP for Telford, highlighted the benefits of solar farms.

He said: "Solar farms, I think are a good route to generating renewable energy.

"We've just seen Telford & Wrekin Council put in place a solar farm on its land and hopefully that will be a success and generate a lot of revenue.

"There are double headed benefits," he added.

"It is good renewable energy but also an income generator, particularly in the case of Telford & Wrekin Council which is the local authority."

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