Shropshire solar park's final hurdle is overcome

Last-ditch attempts to stop the solar farm being built failed after councillors granted permission for a temporary British Telecom mast as part of the development.

The alternative power plant in fields at Rhosygadfa, near Gobowen, was granted planning permission more than a year ago.

But its construction was held up after developers discovered that there was no secure broadband signal in the rural area.

Without broadband the solar farm could not communicate with the nearby electricity substation, which will oversee the harnessing of the power.

Developers Elgin Energy applied for permission to site a temporary BT mast at the solar farm to provide a broadband link. But that brought objections from residents who said it would be a further blot on the landscape.

They were also concerned about health issues over living close to telecommunications masts.

Speaking at yesterday's meeting of Shropshire Council's north planning committee, Councillors David Lloyd and Robert Macey said the proposed 20-metre mast had caused great debate among residents because it would be visible over a large distance.

Objectors wanted the energy company to look at alternative solutions such as connecting up to other cabinets.

Councillor Macey, who represents Gobowen, Selattyn and Weston Rhyn, said: "This has been a controversial site since it has been on the books and will continue to be so during construction.

"I still have concerns."

Nick Williams, speaking on behalf of the developer, said that the mast was the only option available to get the solar farm built and commissioned by March 31.

"SP Energy Networks need a secure link and a mast is only option before a fibre connection between site and the electricity substation can be supplied," he said.

He said that BT had pledged to have the broadband connection in place within 12 weeks.

The mast would be removed by October 12, he told councillors.

Residents had hoped that if the mast was not granted permission the solar farm would not go ahead.

Gobowen and Selattyn Parish Council had also objected to the plans.

Fears had been raised that the mast would pose a risk to wildlife in the area such as birds and could potentially be a health risk to humans. Some had claimed the mast could stay at the site indefinitely, an idea refuted by the developers.

Officials from Elgin Energy also held open meetings for members of the public to attend in advance of a decision being made to address any concerns they had.

Unless the solar farm construction is under way by the end of March developers risk losing a Government subsidy.