Solar farm bid firm defends new proposals
A firm behind plans for a solar farm that was thrown out by county planners have defended their bid to resubmit proposals.
Bloombridge Renewables, the green energy firm behind proposals for a solar farm at Acton Scott, near Church Stretton, say the new scaled-down design will be "barely visible" and should address the reasons the original scheme was refused by Shropshire Council's south planning committee in October.
The latest application is even smaller again than previously stated, at just 19 acres and not 27 - compared to the previous plan's 54.
Andrew Bower of the Henley Solar Farm scheme, said: "We have reduced the site area to address the concerns raised by councillors.
"The site is barely visible from the surrounding hills as it is already well protected visually by landscaping and an old railway line.
"You will only gain the glimpse views of the solar farm if you intentionally pick a vantage point to look for the installation.
"Furthermore, we will be increasing the landscaping with trees and bushes which will help enhance the screening and biodiversity."
The original plan at Henley Bank was for 6.5MW of panels and was recommended for approval. But it was turned down because of its impact on a location in the heart of the Shropshire Hills area of outstanding natural beauty, after fierce opposition from campaign group Save South Shropshire Countryside. The new application is for a 5MW facility in less than half the space.
Mr Bower said: "This is one of very few sites left in this part of the county that has ready and available access to the national grid.
"Without this it will be impossible to bring forward a solar farm on viability grounds. If the council are minded to approve this application there is little chance of any other scheme of this size coming forward as there will be no spare capacity within the grid system.
"It is also important to note that the site is low grade agricultural land – grade 3B and 4 – so it is currently only suitable for grazing and this can continue with a solar farm in place. After the 25 years of operation, the solar farm will be removed and the site returned to its current use," he said.
"It is critical we try to deliver more renewable energy sources if we are to combat the effects of fossil fuels. This is an ideal site due to its screening and low visual impact. It is also important to understand that the South Shropshire Hills AONB Management Plan encourages both renewable energies and farmers to diversify so we believe it is a win-win situation. We are hoping to engage with the various organisations to discuss the proposals with them," he said.
However, campaigners called the re-submission a "re-hash" of the previous application and have called for it to be thrown out again for the same reasons.
John Phillips, a member of Save South Shropshire Countryside from the Acton Scott area, said: "One might imagine that a new solar farm application in the heart of the AONB would demand mandatory public consultation, especially as the first one was so resoundingly rejected.
"I believe a south Shropshire-wide public consultation is called for.
"The Shropshire Hills AONB is such an important asset for all residents and visitors to our county, we cannot let the greed of a few override the wishes of the majority."
