Plans for 20 acre solar farm in Bridgnorth booted out by council

More than 16,000 solar panel would have been included as part of the plans for land in Tasley, near Bridgnorth.

The solar farm had been strongly opposed by some villagers who say they are delighted with the decision.

The application, by Green Switch Developments Ltd, for High Trees Farm, also included an electricity sub-station.

Dr John Jenkins, a member of the Keep Tasley Green campaign group, said the council had taken a long time to arrive at its decision but residents had been resolute in their opposition from the beginning.

"Most Tasley residents became aware of this application in early June," he said.

"Since then more than 200 objections have been recorded on the Shropshire Council planning portal.

"Fundraising activities, to finance expert advice, have included a table-top sale, a quiz evening, a Christmas fair, a Halloween ghost talk and the production and sale of recipe books.

"Tasley Parish Council has also been strongly supportive of the opposition to this proposal.

"Indeed, this is a good example of how determined and united local people can have an influence over the community."

Shropshire Council refused permission for the solar farm because of its scale and location and the fact it could be viewed from heritage assets and rights of way, including the Grade II Listed Aldenham Park and Gardens.

Dr Jenkins said campaigners were not against solar developments in general but felt they should not destroy the countryside being built on arable land.

"Developments in solar technology are exciting and in the next few years we will see how short-sighted this development would have been," he said.

"We need energy but we need food too as in the UK as we produce only about 65 per cent of our food requirement.

"We are delighted with this decision and the case against the application is so strong that we would be surprised if the applicant were to appeal.

"However, this decision must not make us complacent as there are many applications and potential applications for solar farms on beautiful arable land throughout Shropshire.

"There is an application for a 25 acre solar development in Acton Scott within the Shropshire Hills AONB.

"Unbelievably, this is within the site boundary of an application, which was refused in October, 2014.

"There is a screening application for a solar farm on a beautiful arable field in Haughton, just a mile from the Tasley proposal.

"There is an application for a 20 acre development at Neen Sollars and there is an application for a 50 acre development at Meadowley.

"To date the south planning committee is to be commended for being determined and courageous in refusing all the large solar developments on arable land that have come before it.

"The Keeping Tasley Green action group wishes to thank all the people of Tasley and Bridgnorth for supporting our campaign against this entirely inappropriate development."