A controversial 50-acre solar farm could still be built on the edge of the city despite being turned down by the council.
The solar farm would be built at Birchall Green Farm in Sinton Green near Worcester if a rejection by Malvern Hills District Council is overturned by a planning inspector.
The applicant BRL Solar has turned to the government’s planning inspectorate, which has the power to overrule the council, after seeing its plan turned down in January.
Council planners rejected the solar farm saying it would be too disruptive and harmful for those using the popular and “sensitive” Monkwood.
The solar farm, which would be used for 40 years, would create enough energy to power 7,000 homes and businesses according to the application.
READ MORE: Decision due on new Costa Coffee drive-thru in Powick near Worcester
As much as 4,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) would be saved every year.
The application attracted a huge reaction from villagers with nearly 500 responses – with 290 objecting.
READ MORE: Huge solar farm could soon be built near Worcester under new plans
A petition with more than 230 signatures was also submitted before a decision was made.
More than 180 responses were submitted supporting the new solar farm.
BRL Solar said a number of new hedges would be planted to mask as much of the solar farm as possible and all public rights of way would remain open.
The solar panels would also not need to be secured into the ground with concrete which would allow sheep to continue grazing between and underneath them.
READ MORE: 270-acre solar farm could be built between Worcester and Malvern
If approved, construction of the solar farm would take around six months.
A statement included with the application said the panels would be removed after 40 years.
“The height of the entire development is expected to be no more than three meters and the installation is located away from as many homes as possible,” it said.
READ MORE: Controversial plan for 83 homes in Martley set for decision
“Solar farms make very little noise in operation and will not be audible outside of the development itself.
“Once decommissioned, the development will be completely removed and returned to its current use.”
Last month, JBM Solar revealed plans to build a 270-acre solar farm across several fields near Bastonford, Collett’s Green and Leigh Sinton near Worcester.
The solar farm would generate enough power to generate 19,500 homes.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel