Letter: Support for solar scheme
Environmental charity Stretton Climate Care welcomes the planning inspector's approval for the Acton Scott solar farm and would make the following comments on the inspector's observations in coming to his decision.
The need for renewable energy development is not in any doubt in terms of local and national policy. In environmental terms, there would be slight harm caused to the natural environment in terms of the landscape of the area, albeit there would be some planting and ecological enhancements. However, the proposal would be sustainable in terms of the need to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy.
The inspector states: "In line with national policy, I have given the conservation of the landscape and scenic beauty of the AONB great weight. Major development should be refused save in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated that the proposed development is in the public interest."
The inspector also restated Shropshire Council's Core Strategy, Key Objective 19 "that Shropshire will be a leader in addressing climate change."
Stretton Climate Care supported this proposal as it will provide green, carbon free electricity for 1,450 homes without significant harm to our environment.
Jon Cooke, Publicity Officer at Stretton Climate Care
