This is what Roundhill Wood solar farm will look like

JBM Solar has submitted plans for a 287-acre solar power station between Stockwood and Stock Green, a few miles east of the city.

If approved, a 49.9 megawatt power station would be built on land south of Earls Common Road and meet the energy needs of more than 18,000 homes, it is claimed.

These images are photomontages submitted as part of the planning application, which is asking for temporary permission for 40 years.

Plans for the solar farm have been put before planners (Image: JBM Solar)

Conor McAllister, project manager at JBM Solar, previously told us: “Roundhill Solar Farm has been designed with local wildlife in mind, with the creation of 279 acres of grassland area including 5km of new hedgerow planting, four acres of new trees, a new watercourse and ponds, wildflower meadow and beehives.

“We have also designed the plans to ensure that agricultural practices can continue on 95 per cent of the land once the site is operational. In total, the plans will deliver a 226 per cent net gain in biodiversity on the site, over 22 times the national requirement."

The Roundhill Wood Solar Farm Opposition Group (RWSF) has formed in opposition to the proposals - and dozens of residents have objected to the plans.

They claim the project would negatively affect wildlife and lead to an influx of traffic to the area. Phil Coathup, from the RWSF opposition group, said: “The picturesque landscape, which inspired Tolkien’s The Hobbit, currently characterised by rolling hills, scenic vistas and an abundance of natural beauty, would be lost forever should the plans be approved.”

READ MORE: Controversial new solar farm plans defended as it 'will bring down energy bills'

Wychavon District Council conservation officer Rosie Burton is recommending the scheme is refused due to the proposal’s negative impact on five listed buildings and the landscape of the area.

She said in her report: “Solar farms are needed. But it would be a bitter irony if, to help the global environment, we gave consent to the very type of industrialisation of our English countryside Tolkien wrote so compellingly about and which billions of people have engaged with and been moved by. 

“There must be a balance always between progress and protection of what is special in our landscape. This area is part of our cultural heritage and not just another piece agricultural land that can be lost.”

Stock & Bradley, Feckenham, Kington & Dormston and Inkberrow parish councils have also objected to the plans.