Solar farm plan near Whitchurch a good idea, says councillor

County councillor for Whitchurch South, Gerald Dakin, said he would like to see more applications like the proposal to turn former RAF airfield Twemlows Stud Farm near Whitchurch into a solar park of 79,968 panels.

The scheme could generate enough electricity to power up to 2,189 homes and has been recommended for approval ahead of a meeting of the north planning committee next week.

Mr Dakin said: "It is a tremendous amount of electricity and whilst it is not necessarily going into Whitchurch town, it is going into the National Grid and will help power other areas.

"I would like to see more like this if it does not have an effect on the local economy. This ground has just been used for grazing at the farm, and that can continue to happen whilst the panels are there."

The plans have been opposed by residents who fear 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. And while possible alternative landing sites have been discussed by developers, there is still some concern about the impact on the group operating in its current form, as well as safety concerns.

But Mr Dakin said he believes an agreement can be reached which would see the parachute club able to stay open in a similar format.

He said: "I am an advocate for solar farms as a creation of electricity, it could really help in the area.

"I am also an advocate of the anaerobic digestion plants, but I am still unsure about wind power.

"Every application has to be looked at individually."

There has been uncertainty over the town's electricity supply with a lack of power blamed for job losses and relocation of big businesses such as Tension Control Bolts Ltd.

But Scottish Power Energy Networks has said the town has a surplus of energy, rather than a shortfall.

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of the north planning committee at Shirehall in Shrewsbury on Tuesday at 2pm.