New Shropshire solar farm halved in size to ease safety fears

The farm at Twemlows Hall in Higher Heath, near Whitchurch, was approved by Shropshire Council earlier this year but with conditions.

Now applicants Sunsave 27 (Twemlows) Ltd have had their amendments to the scheme, which involves reducing the number of solar panels from 79,968 to 39,168, approved by the council.The original plans were opposed by some residents due to their concerns about road safety.

Residents also feared it could spark problems for Skydive Tilstock Parachute Club in Prees Heath which uses a strip of the land as a runway and drop zone.

However, another alternative landing site was identified to allow the club to continue to operate.

Ian Kilby, development manager at Shropshire Council, said: "I have now had the opportunity to consider the amended plans which accompanied the application.

"In particular, I note that there would be a reduction in the number of inverter/transformer units, inverters, panels and racks, and overall built development.

"The reduced number of panels would result in a corresponding reduction in the number of construction HGVs.

"I confirm that the proposed modifications to the approved plans are acceptable."

Mr Kilby also noted the increase in the height of the panels by 0.22 metres to 1.92 metres, but said that these would remain at a lower level than the perimeter fence.

In a planning document the applicant stated: "The proposal will have a reduced potential visual impact. In addition, a reduced number of HGVs would require access to the site thus further reducing any impact.

"Landscaping will still be implemented to ensure screening and mitigate against any significant impact of views in to the site.

"It should be noted that the proposals will significantly reduce the visual impact of the site through the substantial removal of the built footprint on the site.

"Not only does the proposal seek to effectively halve the provision of solar panels provided on the site, but the associated reduction in inverter buildings from 12 to six would also extensively reduce the scale and massing of the approved solar farm."

The first multi-million pound solar farm given permission in the county was at Hayford Farm, near Westbury, in 2013.

Others given the go-ahead since include sites at Wheat Leasows, Hadley, Telford; Green Farm, Condover, near Shrewsbury; and Burlton, near Wem.

But in the south of the county solar farm plans for Whitton, near Ludlow; Acton Scott, near Church Stretton; Tasley, near Bridgnorth; and Neen Sollars, near Cleobury Mortimer, have all been turned down either by planning officers or Shropshire Council's south planning committee.