Bid for big solar farm alongside canal near Oswestry
A 4,000-panel solar farm could be built alongside the Montgomery Canal, near Oswestry, it has been revealed.
The Ward family has applied for planning permission to site the solar farm on its land at Manor Farm in Crickheath, near Oswestry, claiming it will be a necessary step to secure the farm's future.
But fears have been raised that building the solar farm and surrounding it with high fencing could put boaters off using the area. Enthusiasts have already applied for millions of pounds in lottery cash to spruce up the stretch of the canal, including the section running past Manor Farm.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust has also called for more investigations, claiming the proposals could affect great crested newts in the area.
Canal enthusiast Peter Richards said: "The section from Crickheath to Pryce's bridge, which the proposed site overlooks, is part of a £4 million second stage HLF bid to be presented in June by the Canal and River Trust that should result in it being restored over the next four years.
"It is hardly going to add to it's appeal to have 100 yards of the off-side bordered by a 2.5 metre-high fence surrounding 4,000 2.5 metre-high solar panels."
Roger Parry, speaking on behalf of the Ward family, said: "Diversification such as the proposed development will help to make the succession to the next generation possible."
