A SOLAR farm opposition group has formally submitted its objection to Wychavon District Council and Redditch Borough Council against plans for a new 287-acre solar power station in Worcestershire.
The 95-page document sets out the opposition group’s concerns about the potential impact of the development on the surrounding landscape, including the loss of valuable habitats for wildlife and the destruction of ancient woodlands.
Phil Coathup, chair of Roundhill Wood Solar Farm (RWSF) opposition group, said: “This huge solar power station will cause considerable landscape harm as well as eradicating the last landscape known to have a Tolkien connection.
“We’re also concerned about the visual impact of the development with thousands of three-metre-high solar panels, visible from nearby footpaths and the 6km of fencing around the site which would spoil the natural beauty of the area.
“It’s also misleading to imply the power station which will only operate at 20.5 per cent of its capacity will produce energy to power homes in Wychavon.
“The reality is the development is there to make money for its German owners, £9million in its first year which will not reduce energy bills for ordinary residents and businesses in Wychavon.”
Earlier this month Stock and Bradley, Feckenham, Kington and Dormston and Inkberrow parish councils united in their opposition to the huge development.
Visit rwsf.co.uk to read the objection letters.
A spokesperson from JBM Solar said: “We are committed to continued engagement with the local community and are pleased with the response we have received to date.
“As a result of the feedback from our consultation we have been able to make a number of changes to enhance the proposals.
“This includes additional planting and screening and a four-fold increase in the community fund which will help to fund sustainable local initiatives
“This is an important scheme that will help to play a role in addressing both the climate emergency and cost-of-living crisis.
“These proposals will offset up to approximately 43,839 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, which amounts to taking over one million cars off UK roads over the lifetime of the project.
“They will also deliver a 226 per cent net gain in biodiversity on the site, over 22 times the national requirement.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the community as the plans progress.”
