Shropshire solar park proposal sparks objections

The solar park on land north of Moor Farm in Baschurch would see 15,300 solar panels cover the 15 acre site.

But residents have submitted objections to the plans, fearing traffic problems and a loss of agricultural land.

One objector, Elaine Hickman said: "Most of the objections attach great weight to the issue of land classifications.

"The site is a mixture of grade two and grade three land – both within the definition of best and most versatile arable land.

"There is no benefit to the local community and an adverse effect on the crop rotation of Moor Farm. The only people to benefit would be the developer and the landowner.

"Another area of major concern is the impact of large heavily laden construction vehicles travelling via Ruyton XI Towns with its narrow roads, right bends and single track Platt Bridge.

"The potential for disruption and accidents cannot be overstated and we believe the developer has significantly underestimated the number of journeys and vehicles that would be necessary."

Mrs Hickman, who is part of a protest group which has been set up to fight the plans, said that the plans could have a "serious impact" on the countryside.

But developers say it would have the capacity to produce about 3.75 megawatts of renewable electricity, which will be fed directly into the local electricity network. As part of the scheme put forward by Navitas Projects Ltd, the park could produce enough power for about 1,140 homes.

Construction is expected to take about three to four months, and the solar park is anticipated to have a lifespan of 25 years.

There have been more than 30 objections including Baschurch Parish Council which said the land is not suitable. It added that the roads in the village are narrow and an increase in traffic could increase the risk of accidents.

But in a statement on behalf of Navitas Projects Ltd, assistant planner Valerie Jennings said: "The landowner is a local farmer who has an active farmstead.

"However in recent years to make farming viable they have had to diversify and solar gives them an opportunity to stabilise their business.

"To make full use of the agricultural potential of the site whilst the solar farm is in place, the landowner has confirmed they will be making use of the grazing licence which has been offered to them, which will allow grazing for up to 50 sheep per hectare."