Plans for large solar farm in village submitted

Proposals show the proposed area for the solar farm in Solihull

Plans to create a large solar farm on 90 hectares of land in Solihull have been submitted to planners.

Applicant Total Energies wants to construct the solar farm and battery storage units on land at Woodhouse Farm in the village of Catherine De Barnes.

The land off Catherine De Barnes Lane sits south of Birmingham Airport and northeast of Solihull town centre.

The plan would see the development split into three sections, with solar panels in each and the storage units in the final third. A consultation is now underway with a closing date for submissions is 26 August.

The applicant proposes the farm and battery storage units would be in operation for a period of 40 years.

It said: "The proposed development is estimated to contribute towards Solihull Council's electricity requirements and provide a significant contribution to promoting renewable energy use and moving to a low carbon economy."

It added that the land should be considered grey belt – lower quality green belt land suitable for development – but if not, "very special circumstances" exist which outweighs any potential harm.

The application was submitted to Solihull Council in July

The applicant added: "There are no significant environmental or planning constraints that would warrant the refusal of this application, and as such it is recommended the application is approved without delay."