Appeal over rejected solar farm plan

An appeal over the plans is set to be heard in April by a planning inspector

Rejected plans for a large solar farm in Staffordshire which could generate enough electricity to power 11,500 homes a year have been sent to appeal.

The scheme, on a site near Cheadle, was blocked by East Staffordshire Borough and Staffordshire Moorlands District councils. The appeal is set to be heard by a planning inspector in April.

The site spans 93 hectares, equivalent to about 130 football pitches, across 20 fields.

It it proposed for land between Bramble Cottage, in Greensmiths Lane, and Lower Tean Leys, Upper Leigh and would be in place for 40 years before being dismantled, if given the go-ahead.

The solar farm would generate about 49.99 megawatts of electricity, which means consent from the government is not required for the project.

It is anticipated that each year the solar farm would save 7,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide, claim those behind the scheme.

During the application process, three letters of support were received and 208 objections were submitted to the two councils.

Leigh Parish Council and Checkley Parish Council also raised concerns.

Applicant Lightrock Power Ltd said a number of similar applications had been overturned at appeal and argues the proposed site does not include any of the "best and most versatile" agricultural land.

It conceded there would be adverse effects on the landscape and views, but said this would be limited and would only have a local impact.

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