Solar farm set for go ahead amid concerns

A solar farm capable of powering up to 8,000 homes a year looks set to be approved amid dozens of objections from residents concerned about its impact on the countryside.

The proposed Leaford Solar Farm would cover about 69 hectares (170 acres) of farmland near Blythe Bridge, between Stallington and Saverley Green, in Staffordshire.

Developers said the scheme would make a significant contribution to renewable energy generation and help tackle climate change, while opponents fear the project is inappropriate for the green belt.

Plans for the 30-megawatt (MW) development have been recommended for approval ahead of a specialist Stafford Borough Council planning committee meeting on Tuesday.

The site would still be able to remain in agricultural use through sheep grazing beneath the solar panels.

Developer Renewable Energy Systems, which submitted a planning application for the project more than two years ago, is the world's largest independent renewable energy company and has delivered more than 23GW of energy, according to planning documents.

However, the plans have attracted more than 50 objections from residents and local groups, including Fulford Parish Council.

The council said the size of the project was "not in keeping with the rural area" and it would bring "no benefits to the local community", a report said.

Critics have also raised concerns about increased construction traffic on narrow country roads, potential effects on wildlife and the loss of agricultural land.

Some residents said the growing number of solar developments along the nearby A50 had already altered the landscape and feared the latest proposal would add to that change.

Planning officers concluded the benefits of the scheme outweighed any harm.

Their report said significant weight should be given to the production of renewable energy, and the contribution the development would make towards reducing carbon emissions.

If approved, the solar farm would operate for about 40 years before being decommissioned, with the land capable of being returned to its current agricultural use.

Councillors will make a final decision on the plans when they meet to consider the application.

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