Sinton Green: Joy as appeal for huge solar farm thrown out

Tyler Hill Solar Ltd had appealed against the refusal of planning permission for a 50-acre solar farm on Birchall Green Farm, in Sinton Green, near Worcester.

But inspector Tom Bristow turned down the appeal stating that the proposal would have "major adverse effects to the landscape as a resource and also visually."

He said in a ruling, published on Thursday, March 21, that the solar farm would "seriously detract from the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and the experience of it."

Grimley Parish Council said it was "very pleased with the recently announced decision by the Planning Inspector to refuse the application to construct a solar farm on the beautiful landscape at Birchall Green."

The proposed solar farm site in Sinton Green near Worcester (Image: Handout)

It added: "Parish councillors firmly believe that this outcome is a legacy for all other resident groups, that are on the uphill battle to have their voices heard in a planning appeal system that is costly and pitched against residents who are not experts, but who have a lifetime of experience growing up in landscapes that are under threat from development."

The 160-member strong Grimley Solar Farm Action Group had formed to fight the proposal with members concerned over the effect it would have on the bordering Monkwood Nature Reserve.

Residents were also worried about the loss of farmland in the area and disruption during the six months it would have taken to build the solar farm.

The solar farm would have been used for 40 years and would have created enough energy to power 7,000 homes and businesses according to the application submitted to Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC).

The parish council said it is aware of the threat from global warning, especially with the increasing frequency of flooding of the Camp House Inn and other properties in the parish, and the urgent need to support the rapid phasing out of fossil fuels and to transition to renewable energy sources.

But it said: "Our Parish Council is strongly of the view that the rapid introduction of solar panels should be achieved by the siting of solar farms on brownfield sites, and installation on buildings and warehouse roofs. All new buildings should be required to have solar panels on their roofs."

The original application for the solar farm was lodged back in September 2021.

Jim Moffat, who lives next to the farm, said he was "delighted with the outcome" after being on "tenterhooks."

The 70-year-old marketing consultant said: "There are several hundred similar applications across the country, 20 are ten times the size of this one.

"This is not by any means an isolated incident."

Most applications are for agricultural land, where there is adequate sunlight and little shade.

Mr Moffat said he was delighted Monkwood Nature Reserve would now not be affected, which he said is "a wonderful place."