Home / Environment / Solar Farm Plan Faces Local Opposition
Solar Farm Plan Faces Local Opposition
28 Jul
Summary
- Proposed solar farm spans 58 hectares near Lilleshall.
- Natural England sees no significant landscape impact.
- Concerns raised over natural landscape and agricultural land.
A proposed solar farm, covering approximately 58 hectares between The Incline and New House Farm in Lilleshall, Telford and Wrekin, is under review. Natural England has advised that the development is unlikely to have a significant impact on the local landscape.
The government's environmental advisor noted the land is not situated within any protected environmental sites. However, they emphasized the need for information regarding protected species and mitigation plans.
Despite these assurances, local opposition remains strong. Councillor Andrew Eade has voiced concerns about the detrimental impact on Lilleshall's natural landscape and the loss of agricultural land. A petition against the project has gathered more than 460 signatures.
Consultants for the developer, Greenvolt Power, stated the land is not listed in the Shropshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, indicating no current ecological significance. Greenvolt added that the farm would power approximately 11,000 homes annually and could improve biodiversity compared to intensive agriculture.
