Huge solar farm could soon be built near Worcester under new plans

Canterbury-based Tyler Hill Renewables wants to cover 91 acres of farmland near Shoulton, around five miles from Worcester, with rows of solar panels for up to 40 years.

The developer has not yet submitted a planning application but has instead put forward a ‘screening opinion’ which means the district council will have to rule whether the solar farm needs an environmental impact assessment.

The rows of solar panels would sit around three metres off the ground with the whole farm surrounded by a fence.

The farmland’s trees and hedges would stay with the height of the solar panels allowing sheep to graze under them undisturbed.

In the application Tyler Hill Renewable said: “Although the proposed development is for 40 years, at the end of the operational period, site restoration will be relatively simple and all equipment removed, leaving no long-term impact or pollution. 

“Due to the continued grazing of the land throughout its lifespan and the limited construction impact, any potential impacts are completely reversible.”

The nearest solar farm to the proposed site is at Otherton Farm near Cotheridge around three miles away which was given the green light by the council in 2015.

The power from the 34 megawatt solar farm could generate enough energy to power an estimated 10,000 homes.

A plan to build a 50-acre solar farm in nearby Birchall Green Farm in Sinton Green by BRL Solar UK was turned down by Malvern Hills District Council in January. 

The solar farm, which also would have been used for up to 40 years, would create enough energy to power 7,000 homes and businesses and save as much as 4,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) every year.

Almost 300 objections were made against the plan, including one by campaigners Grimley Solar Farm Action Group, but the work did attract more than 180 messages of support.

Nevertheless, council planners turned down the move saying it would be too disruptive and harmful for those using the popular and “sensitive” Monkwood.