Large solar farm gets go ahead

The panels will generate enough electricity to power 3,000 homes

A solar farm the size of 38 football pitches has been given planning permission.

G Power Solar Ltd successfully applied to set it up on a 24.5 hectare (60 acre) site at The Beeches, off Alkington Road, near Whitchurch in Shropshire.

Rachael Leather from Atticus Planning said it would produce up to 10 megawatts of renewable energy.

She said that would be enough to power about 3,000 family homes or nearly 3% of Shropshire's population.

Shropshire Council heard the panels would have a lifespan of about 40 years and sheep would be allowed to graze around them.

Ms Leather said there would be no need for concrete foundations.

One local resident raised concerns about the loss of a byway, but another, Dr Ruth Clayton, said: "The sheep will not mind, they just eat grass which is still there. There will be more green energy in this area which is good for everyone."

Shropshire Council case officer Mared Rees-Jones concluded that, on balance, the benefits arising from the development would outweigh the harm which might result and the application was approved.

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