A CONTROVERSIAL new solar farm has been defended by the company behind the plans amid outrage.

JBM Solar is bringing forward plans for Roundhill Solar Farm near Inkberrow to help meet the targets set out in the Government’s recent Energy Security Plan.

The proposed site will be located between Stockwood and Stock Green and will consist of battery storage facilities that buy and sell energy from the grid from renewable and non-renewable sources.

Inkberrow, Stock and Bradley, Feckenham and Kington and Dormston Parish Councils all objected to the plans.

READ MORE: Parish councils unite in opposition of solar farm plans for Inkberrow

Concerns raised by the Roundhill Wood Solar Farm Opposition Group included the impact on wildlife, the noise of the construction and the volume of traffic down narrow country lanes.

Conor McAllister, project manager at JBM Solar, said the proposed solar farm is needed to continue driving towards a decarbonised power system.

He said: “If approved, this scheme could be generating clean and cheap renewable electricity to help keep the lights on and bills down from winter 2024 onwards.

“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."

According to JBM Solar, Roundhill Solar Farm will generate enough renewable energy to meet the equivalent annual electricity needs of over 18,000 homes. 

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JBM Solar also expects between eight to 12 movements a day during construction with deliveries being limited to outside-of-school drop-off and pick-up times.

The business said it will also be locating noise-generating equipment towards the centre of the site during construction.

Phil Coathup, from the Roundhill Wood Solar Farm Opposition Group, previously said: “The reality is this development is far too large for this location and completely out of character with it.

"It will be a visual eyesore in an otherwise unspoilt rural area, and we urge residents to join with us in opposing these plans.”

For more information about the opposition group campaign, you can visit www.rwsf.co.uk, and for more about JBM Solar, you can visit www.roundhillsolar.co.uk.