Solar farm plan rejected after 80 object

Herefordshire planners said a large solar farm would have a "significant adverse impact" on the landscape

A plan for a solar farm in Herefordshire that could have powered 9,000 homes has been rejected.

Green Switch Capital hoped to install panels on 39 hectares of land at Oatcroft Farm in Titley, near Kington.

The firm argued the 30MW installation, which drew nearly 80 objections, would bring environmental and economic benefits.

However, Herefordshire Council planners decided the scheme's renewable energy benefits did not outweigh its "significant adverse impact".

The scheme would have required transformer stations, a control building and substation compound, as well as perimeter fencing and new access roads.

About 40 concerned residents attended a public meeting called by Titley and District Group Parish Council in January.

The parish council then represented their concerns to site owners Roger and Phillip Sankey and Green Switch Capital.

The firm's planning application stated the scheme would "provide security for future generations to live and work on what could be considered a difficult farm to earn a reasonable living (from)".

But the parish council said the panels’ elevated positions would impinge on nearby Grade II listed Eywood Park and discourage visitors to the area.

The Herefordshire planning committee was persuaded the scheme, despite its environmental benefits, would have too adverse an impact on a landscape enjoyed by locals and visitors.

Members also found there was “insufficient information” on how rainwater run-off and construction traffic at the site would be dealt with.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.