Plans for Whitchurch solar farm welcomed by residents

Proposals for the 20 thousand solar panels to be installed on Hadley Farm, Wrexham Road in Whitchurch, have been widely supported by nearby residents who believe it could be a step towards solving the town's power problems.

People were able to find out more information about the proposals and raise any concerns at a public exhibition last nightat Beechwood Community Hall, in Whitchurch.

Ken Jones, 73, who lives on the same road as the proposed site, said he fully supports the plan.

He said: "I think it's a very good thing. It's great for the landowner and for the community.

"With wind turbines and big plants, everybody has to put up with them, but with this they are enclosed and out of sight."

The lack of power in the town has been blamed for job losses and the relocation of large businesses.

But with residential developments and the opening of new shops in the town, many believe improvements to power are vital to help the continued growth.

The five million pound project, installed and managed by renewable energy company Light Source, will produce five megawatts of power a year, which could power around 1,300 homes. It is one of a number currently planned for Shropshire, including separate plans for farms in Shrewsbury and Telford.

Whilst it cannot be proved that the power will go directly to Whitchurch, it will be put into the National Grid and on the line that carries electricity to the town.

Another resident in the town, Bev Duffy, said: "It still leaves the land green, which is good.

"I much prefer it to turbines or the big power plants that are just an eyesore. I would be much more in favour of something like this because it's efficient too and seems to generate a lot of power."

Councillor Rob Hewson, Mayor of Whitchurch Town Council, said: "I am fully in support of this site.

"I think it's fantastic for the town, which is constantly growing. We need some more power coming through and it looks like a great way to do it.

"It's just brilliant that someone wants to come and invest five million pounds into the area, and I think we should welcome that."

Amy McDonald, development manager for the project, said that the site will be enclosed and concealed from view for the duration of the 25 year lease.

She said: "We also make sure the wildlife doesn't suffer, so there will be sheep grazing on the land, and we encourage other habitation too by installing bat and bird boxes.

"It's great to see that people are in support of the project, as there really aren't any downfalls."

The company will be supporting the community throughout the construction, which will take around four months.

Light Source are also appealing for community members to get involved with the project as bee keepers, accommodation providers, and a variety of other jobs.

For more details, call 033 2000755, or email info@lightsource-re.co.uk