Shrewsbury solar farm plans could create microclimate, residents told
A solar farm could create a microclimate that would be noticeably warmer than the surrounding area, a public meeting heard.
The 15-acre farm would also "ruin precious and high quality agricultural land", it was claimed.
More than 50 people packed into Baschurch village hall last night which saw a special meeting of the parish council unanimously oppose plans for the 15,300 panel development.
Navitas Projects Ltd say the development would have the capacity to produce about 3.75 megawatts of renewable electricity – enough to power 1,100 homes.
But Baschurch Parish Council unanimously agreed to object to the plans for north Moor Farm, near Shrewsbury. They said it would destroy valuable land, have poor screening and cause road safety issues.
Councillor Sarah Richards said: "I have solar panels on my roof. It works for me but I cannot agree with these plans. I don't think the local infrastructure will take it. This is really good land – I would find it hard to support this application."
Councillors' views were echoed by residents, some of whom have set up an action group to fight the plans. Steve Boulding said: "A development of this size would create a microclimate. The temperature will be noticeably higher in that area. It is all grade II high quality land. There will be stress on agricultural land in the next few years so this needs to be protected."
Edmund Bailey, a chartered surveyor, spoke on behalf of the action group. He told the meeting: "If consent is granted it will be contrary to local and national planning policies."
Navitas Projects say the development will produce renewable electricity which would be fed into the local network. A representative was asked to come to the meeting but organisers were told nobody could attend.
