Planned solar farm could power 3,000 homes

The layout had been designed to make the most efficient use of the site, Atticus Planning said (generic image above)

A solar farm to power about 3,000 homes could be built on a rural site in Shropshire if plans are approved.

The proposals, from G Power Solar Ltd, are for a 24.5 hectare (60.5 acre) site at The Beeches, off Alkington Road, near to the A41, close to Whitchurch.

Sheep grazing would continue at the site around the panels, which have a lifespan of about 40 years, Rachael Leather, from Atticus Planning, said.

A new hedgerow is proposed for the life and all existing trees and hedges would be kept with existing watercourses enhanced, under the plans.c

Putting the panels in place would requite "minimal" disturbance to the ground and the layout's design was aimed at making the most efficient use of the site to avoid affecting the environment, Ms Leather added.

The panels would all have an anti-glare coating to cut down on glints and glare from sunlight, the plans state.

While a point to connect the solar farm to the grid was yet to be confirmed, Ms Leather said discussions were ongoing with Scottish Power Energy Networks.

Access tracks would be added in the site for maintenance vehicles and to allow farmers to tend to sheep.

A decision will be made by Shropshire Council at a future date

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