Family reduced to tears of joy after 40,000-panel Bridgnorth solar farm approved

Members of the Bunning family – which has run Upper Meadowley Farm near Bridgnorth for generations – were reduced to tears of joy after plans for the 10.71MW solar farm were approved by members of Shropshire Council's south planning committee.

Supporters of the project had packed into yesterday's meeting at Shirehall to get across their message that the plan would safeguard the farm's future.

Lydia Bunning, of the family who own the farm, said: "It means that the farm can be there for the next generation.

"In this day and age you have to diversify and this means we can continue to look after the land at the small acreage."

It comes despite landowner William Cash, of nearby Upton Cressett Hall, telling the committee that the development would look "more like a prison camp".

Twelve fibre glass inverter buildings, a plastic substation, 2.4-metre high perimeter fencing and 22 CCTV cameras will be set up as part of the development, committee members were told.

Mr Cash said it would impact on landscape around Upton Cressett Hall, Aldenham Park and Upper Meadowley Farm itself, all heritage assets with listed buildings. He and father Sir Bill Cash MP previously said they would ask Amber Rudd, secretary of state for energy and climate change, to block the plans. But Simon Newall, acting as agent for the owners of Upper Meadowley Farm behind the scheme, said there was "significant local support" from both the parish council and immediate neighbours.

Councillor Stuart West, representing Shifnal South and Cosford, said: "Under normal circumstances we would have people waving banners on sites like these, totally against it. But this particular site has been so unchallenged that I think this site is most suitable."

Councillor Richard Huffer, representing Clee, said: "As a farmer it saddens me that I have to see farmers repeatedly diversifying to make ends meet, but I think the lack of objection is a testament to the farming family behind this and how valued they are."

Mr Cash is considering launching a judicial review and says he will be claiming damages.