Shropshire Star

Energy park work to begin soon

Work to install 2,500 solar panels in a beauty spot on the Shropshire/Powys border is set to begin later this year.

Published

Back in February both Shropshire and Powys County Councils granted permission for different parts of the site at Rhydycroesau, near the old Oswestry racecourse.

The application for the Cefn Y Maes Community Renewable Energy Park Ltd, and ran for two years and gathered many objectors before the plans were passed.

Now a spokesman for the company behind the build has confirmed that the the project is progressing 'with an intention to commence construction later this year.'

The application was a controversial one, with the access for the site being in Shropshire and the actual energy park being in Powys.

A host of fiery public meetings took place when a wind turbine was due to be included in the application.

However following the objections the turbine was taken out of the plans, and the green light was given by both councils in February.

Also at previous meetings, residents had been concerned that around 1,300 vehicles would be accessing the site as part of the construction.

Oswestry Parish Councillor Rob Milton has previously said that renewable energy is something that is needed, but residents were concerned about access to the site.

They are worried that many HGVs will be going over the Racecourse, and from the other direction from Llangynog.

He hopes developers can take locals concerns into consideration and keep disruption to a minimum.

He said: "Once the turbine was taken out the concerns were surrounding the access to the site.

"Some are concerned there is going to be a large volume of traffic coming in either direction.

"What I would say is that I would like to see the developers take into consideration the concerns of the residents.

"Obviously there is going to be some disruption but it would be good to keep the disruption at a minimum.

The application is for the installation of ground mounted photovoltaic solar array, two energy storage facilities, a new access track, a temporary compound, underground cabling and associated works.

Engena, which is behind the development, has said the energy park would have a lifespan of 30 years, and will produce enough electricity for more than 550 homes.