Solar farm plans near village a 'massive problem'

The site could generate enough renewable energy to power more than 20,600 homes

A local campaigner has said a solar farm set for fields next to a Warwickshire village is the "wrong development in the wrong location".

Kate Pittel is leading a drive to stop the solar farm, which could be built on land to the west of Fosse Way, near Radford Semele.

Recurrent Energy, which is behind the project, said the site would generate enough renewable energy to power about 20,651 homes and save 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Harry Wilder, head of business development, said the project would also help fulfil South Warwickshire District Council's renewable energy targets.

Speaking on proposals for the new 212-acre (86 hectare) site, Ms Pittel said she "firmly believes" it is the wrong location for the plans.

"Many people moved to Radford and the neighbouring villages because they loved the rural locations of South Warwickshire," she said.

"We're surrounded by open fields and farm fields. We're surrounded by footpaths and walks.

"The views are absolutely stunning.

"The loss of agricultural land is also a massive problem. I do appreciate that energy security is important, but food security is also important."

The project will result in an overall biodiversity net gain of 55% with a hedgerow gain of 61%, Recurrent Energy said

According to Recurrent Energy, co-developers with Novergy, the ground-mounted solar farm will have a generating capacity of 49.99 MW.

The secretary of state reviews plans for any solar farm with a generating capacity of 50 MW or more.

'Not appropriate'

MP Matt Western said about 80 people turned up to a public meeting about the plans on Wednesday.

"My role is really to gauge the strength of feeling in the area, and then offer advice on how to put forward those opinions," he said.

"I am a big proponent for green energy, but Warwickshire now has a significant number of solar farms in place or soon to be in place.

"I think it is the aggregate impact of this development on top of the other sites nearby which is why it is not appropriate."

Recurrent Energy said the land would continue to allow agricultural use, as sheep would be allowed to graze underneath the panels.

It said the project would see more hedgerows laid and an increase in biodiversity.

Mr Wilder said: "The proposed project will contribute both towards the UK’s Climate Emergency agenda and Warwick District Council’s ambitions to take action to mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

"South Warwickshire District has committed to generating 730 MW of renewable energy by 2030.

“The current generation capacity approved is 121 MW.

"This development will therefore make a significant contribution towards achieving that objective.”