Solar farms: A ray of sunshine or a blot on the landscape?
They have become part of the Shropshire landscape, but they are not everyone’s cup of tea.
This drone image, by Shropshire Star Chief Photographer Tim Thursfield, gives a new perspective on solar farms that help feed electricity into the national grid.
The solar panels at Wheat Leasows, Telford, have been in operation since the end of 2014 and its 15,000 panels on a 11.7 hectare site generate enough power to run 800 homes.
Now there are plans to create another much bigger solar farm, over 53 hectares, on another site at Steeraway Farm, off Limekiln Lane, close to the M54.
The plans were refused by Telford & Wrekin Council but will now go to a three-day planning inquiry next month to decide. It comes after widespread opposition from people living locally.
RE Projects Development Limited & Steerway Solar, who are behind the scheme, appealed to the Planning Inspectorate following the council’s decision and a government inspector will decide the application after a hearing starting on March 21.
The plan has been the subject of vocal opposition from some local residents, as well as councillors.
It comes as campaigners are still awaiting a decision on another major solar farm proposed in the borough.
The New Works Solar Farm, proposed for land at New Works Lane, between Arleston and Lawley, was rejected by Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning committee in 2021. However, the firm behind the scheme, Greentech, appealed and the case was heard at a planning inquiry last year.
A decision on whether or not the original refusal is overturned is expected imminently. The New Works farm would be set across 99 acres and would generate 28,500 MWh per year in renewable electricity – enough to power 8,650 homes.
A protest group called Stop Steeraway & New Works Solar Farms Shropshire, which was set up to oppose both developments, is encouraging people to attend the first day of the forthcoming Steeraway public inquiry, which is being held at AFC Telford United’s ground.
One political group has voiced significant support for potential solar farms in recent months.
Speaking in December the Shrewsbury and Atcham’s Constituency Labour Party nailed its colours to the mast, with its members voting “overwhelmingly” to support the development of solar farms within the constituency.
Paul Forrest, chair of the party’s Shrewsbury and Atcham Branch, said action was needed to tackle damage from fossil fuels, adding: “Agricultural land can still be productive by continuing to be grazed or set aside for pollinators.”
