Second vote due on 92-hectare solar farm plan

The solar panels would be across 20 fields in Staffordshire

Plans for a 92-hectare solar farm that could generate enough electricity to power 11,500 homes a year are set to be considered again by councillors.

The controversial plans for Upper Leigh, Staffordshire, received 94 objections from neighbours, with only three comments in support.

The scheme would cover 20 fields, of which 11 are in East Staffordshire, with nine in the Staffordshire Moorlands, meaning both councils need to approve it.

East Staffordshire Borough Council had deferred a decision, and asked the applicant to make changes to the plan, with council officers now recommending it for approval, ahead of a new vote on Tuesday.

The solar farm would be in place for 40 years, before being dismantled after generating 49.99 megawatts of electricity.

East Staffordshire Borough Council asked applicant Lightrock Power to look again at the position of some of the panels, revisit the battery energy storage system and undertake further consultation with residents.

The firm has made some changes, including removing four rows of panels in one field, and improved screening.

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