Planning inquiry after 99-acre Telford solar farm plan rejected
A planning inquiry will take place after an energy company appealed against a decision to reject plans for a solar farm in Telford.

The four-day inquiry in June will consider whether to approve plans for the solar farm at land off New Works Lane, between Arleston and Lawley.
The proposal, from Greentech, was rejected by Telford & Wrekin Council last year.
The planning committee said it acknowledged the environmental benefits the farm’s energy would bring throughout its 40-year lifespan, but voiced concern that the 99-acre site falls within the Wrekin Forest Strategic Landscape Area and is close to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Recommending refusal, the council's report said: “The harm arising from the proposals is considered to outweigh the benefits."
Greentech said the New Works site would generate 28,500 MWh per year in renewable electricity – enough to power 8,650 homes – and create construction and maintenance jobs to help boost the local economy.