Shropshire solar farm bid refused by planners

Councillors were split on the decision over whether to allow the solar farm to be built west of Sheriffhales, near Shifnal.

Planning officers had recommended approval for the plans by Lightsource SPV 39 Limited for 97,336 solar panels, which would have been removed after 30 years.

Kevin Turley, Shropshire councillor for Shifnal, said he also carried out a survey which revealed 111 residents were in favour of the plans and 30 against, with 22 abstaining.

But councillors threw out the plans by six votes to five over fears the solar farm would be built on land which could still be used for food production. The panels would have produced 24 megawatts of electricity, supplying enough power for 6,400 homes.

Councillor Turley, speaking during yesterday's Shropshire Council south planning committee meeting, said: "There would be residents affected by the views but because of the energy it would produce the majority of Sherrifhales residents were in favour of it."

Robert Tindall, Shropshire councillor for Brown Clee, said: "Part of this site is capable of growing crops. With today's modern technology arable farming can be carried out in places people would never have dreamed of before. I am loathe to take away land that can still be used for food production."

Madge Shineton, Shropshire councillor for Cleobury Mortimer, said the fact that the company had reduced the number of panels following public concerns meant she was minded to support it. She said: "There would also be an ecologist on site while the work is carried out and a bond has been set up for when the panels would be removed in 30 years' time."

Parish councillor Gordon Tonkinson, speaking on behalf of Sherrifhales Parish Council, which was against the plans, said the land was excellent for food production.

He said: "This land classification is in very short supply and must not be taken away. There are thousands of acres of factory roof space in Shropshire that could be used for this purpose."

* Meanwhile, plans to build four industrial-scale poultry sheds to house 216,000 chickens in the Shropshire countryside have been approved.

Councillors backed the controversial plans for the four 110 by 24 metre sheds at Hopton Heath, near Clungunford.

The plans, at Heath Farm, also include feeding bins and a biomass boiler on a 6.15-acre farmland site.

Planning officers recommended the plan be approved, as long as it adheres to strict guidelines covering traffic movements and environmental impact.

Councillors said it was important the continued growth of the business was supported during yesterday's Shropshire Council south planning committee.