Solar farm plans rejected by two councils

The solar farm was planned for land near Upper Leigh and Lower Tean

Plans for a new solar farm have been rejected by East Staffordshire councillors less than a month after Staffordshire Moorlands councillors also refused permission.

The development, which would provide power for around 11,500 homes, was proposed for land near Upper Leigh and Lower Tean, so was considered by both authorities.

Both councils said they were concerned about the number of solar farms earmarked for the area.

Another solar farm has already been built nearby, and planning permission has been granted for a further two, which are yet to be built.

East Staffordshire Borough Council had considered the application for Upper Leigh in February, but deferred its decision for further consultation with the applicant on the layout of the solar panels and the proposed battery storage unit.

Committee members were told that 69 objections were received in response to the latest consultation on the plans for the solar farm, which was set to generate 49.99 megawatts of electricity.

Chris Sowerbutts from Lightrock Power, who spoke in support of the application, said: “We have done everything we can to redesign and take everybody’s views within the planning process into account to ensure we have a high quality scheme."

East Staffordshire Borough Council voted to reject the solar farm on the grounds of visual impact and the cumulative impact of sites.

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