Plans lodged for 1,600 solar panel farm near Shrewsbury

The 1,600 photo-voltaic panels would be built at Hazel Hollow in Stapleton.

Farmer Michael Collison, of Brook Barn, has applied to Shropshire Council for permission to build the 2.8-hectare solar development.

Mr Collison said the majority of young plants would be replanted or retained and would provide screening from neighbouring properties and those using the road.

The proposed solar farm would cover 2.8 hectares of land and include 14 rows of varying lengths of panels.

In a design statement submitted to Shropshire Council, Mr Collison said the system would be on sloping grassland to maximise the productivity of the panels. As part of the development there would also be a building to house meters and electrical connections.

In his design statement Mr Collison said: "It is hoped that the species diversity will be enhanced due to the proposal.

"The grassland will be mown twice annually to maintain the grass length, to prevent over growth and to ensure any noxious weeds are identified, removed and not allowed to take over.

"It has been demonstrated that this proposal complies with local and national planning policy.

"The effect on the landscape will be minimal as the existing land use will continue and the presence of existing planting will ensure the arrays are screened well from all angles.

"The addition of the solar arrays will create new shading on the wildflower grasslands therefore increasing the diversity of habitats available. It is predicted that the arrays will produce 374,800kwh in total during the first year of operation.

"By installing this number of solar panels, it will enable the possibility for installing an electric car charging point at a future date. This would therefore contribute to reducing vehicle emissions."

No objections have been received to the application and Condover Parish Council has unanimously backed the proposal.

Shropshire Councillor Tim Barker, who represents the Burnell division, declined to comment on the issue. Planners will consider the application at a meeting soon to be held.