Planning inquiry to decide Kemberton solar farm application

The solar farm is earmarked for green belt land

A planning inquiry is set to be held in the new year to rule on a solar farm proposed for green belt land.

Swedish energy firm Vattenfall had an application for land at Kemberton rejected by Shropshire councillors in March.

It followed objections from local residents and businesses, plus another local authority.

Vattenfall said its earmarked site was the only one available in that area.

It has since appealed against the rejection in the hope of getting the Shropshire Council decision overturned at review.

The company said the 22 megawatt array of panels would generate enough electricity to power 6,000 homes annually.

The solar farm would be in place for up to 40 years, according to the planning application.

Members of Shropshire Council's northern planning committee voted against the advice of planning officers to reject the proposal after hearing objections from Kemberton Parish Council, which hired a solicitor, and receiving 133 letters.

The inquiry is due to open on 9 January next year and will be held in public.