Plan for large solar farm on farmland moves closer

Sinton's End Solar Farm would generate up to 20MW of power when complete

Plans for a 40-hectare solar farm on farmland in Herefordshire have moved a step closer.

The proposed farm, set to generate up to 20MW of power, would cover two areas of farmland between Acton Green and Acton Beauchamp, south-east of Bromyard.

Applicant Sinton's End Solar Farm said the site would include inverter and transformer stations and a substation for the grid connection, as well as 2.4m-high perimeter fencing.

Herefordshire Council has received a full planning application for the scheme, with comments on the proposals being accepted until 21 August.

Following a preliminary application in 2022 to ascertain whether a full environmental impact assessment would be required for its plan, on a slightly larger site, the firm was told an assessment would be required.

But this was later overruled following an appeal to then communities secretary Michael Gove.

The local authority received the current planning application for the Sinton's End development just before Christmas but has only just published it.

The application explains that income from the solar farm "will make an important contribution to the continued viability of the farm holding, whilst allowing sheep to graze under the panels".

The farm's visual impact was also "anticipated to be temporary and reversible, albeit long-term" given the scheme's planned 40-year lifespan.

The project would be developed by RE Projects Development Ltd, an "experienced developer of renewable and low-carbon energy projects in the UK," the application added.

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