RESIDENTS have raised major concerns about plans for a solar farm development in Bromsgrove.
Developer, Spring, have put forward a pre-consulation for the 36 hectare solar farm located on Grafton Lane, which is currently used for sheep grazing.
The Bromsgrove Foxwalk Solar Farm Opposition Group have opposed the plans after concerns around the noise disruption and safety of roads that lead up to the site due to the necessity of large HGV movement during development.
Residents are arguing that the development, which will see a minimum of six HGV vehicles travelling down the narrow lane everyday, is not only ‘disruptive’ but ‘dangerous for us, our children and dogs’
Opposition group member and nearby resident, Natasha Titshall said: “The developers sold us a dream of cows and animals grazing under the solar panels, with butterflies and wildlife everywhere.
“Now we believe the reality is very different. 8 weeks of disruptively loud pile driving, combined with HGVs constantly travelling up and down our very narrow road.
“It’s going to be unsafe for children and dog walkers, the disruption is going to be horrific.”
The developers plan to put forward a formal proposal to Bromsgrove District Council in the near future.
The opposition group have also called the developments contradictory and asked ‘why is it necessary to destroy greenbelt land to develop green energy?’.
The solar farm installation has a 40 year life span and the developers say the land will continue to be viable for sheep grazing even after completion. Spring have also stated that following it’s life span, the land can be reclaimed.
Grafton Manor Farm, where the proposed solar farm will be located. Picture by Chris Weston. s
Natasha added: “Initially we heard green energy and were all for it, then we met with the developers and considered the plans and our fears began to arise.”
Spring development director Hugo House said: “Health and safety will be paramount to the project.
“A construction environment management plan and a construction traffic management plan will be submitted to consider road safety and noise pollution mitigation.
“We’ll use banks persons on the lane to manage traffic, ensuring road users’ safety. Speed limits will be imposed for any vehicles we use for the project.
“We will consider everything that a planning application requires to ensure we are ready to submit a formal proposal.
“We will install bat boxes and owl boxes, improve ponds, plant 2 acres of new woodland and manage 7 acres of land for skylark habitat.
“If approved, these changes will achieve a 169% net gain in biodiversity within the site.
“We’ve engaged with the council and National Highways and they will need to be satisfied with what we are proposing.
“We have tried to be as engaged and communicative as we can by delivering letters to residents prior to proposals and having direct conversations with them.”
Chris Weston, a resident on Grafton Lane, who supports the proposals said: “I can only see a solar farm as helping the environment.
“We have to think about future generations and the future of the planet.
“It’s going to be noisy and potentially disruptive but I believe the short term pain is outweighed by the long term gain.
“The developers have consulted residents all the way through, they’ve been transparent and given everyone a chance to raise concerns.”
