Solar farm on agricultural land gets green light

A solar farm that is expected to generate enough energy to power almost 8,000 homes in its first year has already been given the green light.

The development, which will develop 31.2 hectares (77 acres) of farmland near the Four Ashes, north of Wolverhampton, was approved by South Staffordshire Council’s planning committee on Tuesday.

Some residents feared the work would damage the access road to the facility and that they would have to foot the bill.

However, solar energy company Renewable Connections assured residents it would carry out all repairs.

Brewood and Coven Parish Council also opposed the proposals, pointing out that the development was using agricultural land in the green belt.

“The site will remain in agricultural use throughout the duration of the project, and there will be no loss of agricultural land,” said Jack Halstead, development manager for Renewable Connections.

He added that the land would remain in its current agricultural use for the duration of the application and that current sheep grazing would be allowed to continue between and under the panels.

This message was collected by Local Democracy Reporting Service which includes councils and other organisations providing public services.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on Facebook, X AND Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]

More on this topic

Related Web Links