Solar array plans submitted for field on outskirts of Shropshire border village

Shropshire Council is being asked to approve a new solar array for a village.

Davis Farming has applied to the authority for planning permission for solar panels on land at Porth y Waen, near Oswestry.

A design and access statement detailing the proposal has been prepared by Halls planning consultants and explains the 1238.4kW ground-mounted array would be build on land to the east of Vownog Terrace and off the A495.

The document said the site covers just under one hectare, and is considered “poor quality” agricultural land, with the scheme designed to be screened from view.

It stated: “The solar array has been deliberately positioned on poor quality (Grade 4) soils to allow for productive use of otherwise undesirable and less productive land.

“The site sits below the adjoining A495 road to the north, and the panels will be screened from view by existing vegetation around the periphery of the development area.”

The document said the development would comprise 1,920 solar panels across two fields: 640 in the eastern field and 1.280 in the western field.

It added: “The solar panels would be fixed to metal mounting substructures to form solar arrays.

“The panels will be set at an angle of approximately 25 degrees and will be on ground screws driven into the ground.

“The panels will have a minimum ground clearance of 0.88m to facilitate wildflower growth and occasional grazing, and a maximum height of 2.9m above ground level.

“The solar panels will be spread across two fields (herein, the eastern and western field).”

It added: “The proposed solar panels will be predominantly black in appearance and will utilise the latest low-reflective, dual-glass, semi-transparent technology. This design significantly reduces glare and solar reflection, ensuring minimal visual impact on the surrounding landscape and neighbouring receptors.”

The application also said a grid connection to export energy generated by the panels has already been secured.

It stated: “The solar power generated will discharge into the national grid via a guaranteed 999Kw export connection and via a new transformer.

“The proposed installation has an agreed export connection to the grid.

“The new transformer will be installed, enabling power to feed into the existing overhead powerlines above the site. Any cabling necessary to facilitate the connections will be installed as part of the works.”

A decision on the plan will be taken at a later date.