A CAMPAIGN group opposing controversial plans for a solar farm in Upton Warren have referred to the proposals as ‘farfetched’ and ‘misleading’.
A decision on the Foxwalks Solar Farm on Grafton Lane, will be made by Bromsgrove District Council’s planning committee on Monday, April 29.
If approved, the 100-acre development claims to be able to supply over 13,000 homes with electricity during peak operation and would be operational for 40 years.
The Foxwalks Solar Farm Opposition Group has expressed major reservations about the project since last July.
Group chairman, Carl Bishop, who lives on Grafton Lane, believes residents are being ‘greenwashed’ (deceptively convinced that something is more environmentally friendly), and is questioning developer Spring’s biodeversity enhancement claims.
Spring said it would plant more than 460metres of new native hedgerows, restore over 2,200metres of existing hedgerows and develop new woodland boundaries and wildlife habitats.
The solar panels would be mounted at a height allowing sheep to graze underneath. Spring also states the land could be reclaimed for agricultural use afterwards.
Major concerns have also been raised about the nine-month long construction process which would involve eight weeks of loud and disruptive pile driving.
The opposition group also fear the development, if approved, will set a precedent for future developments with ‘significant implications’ for rural areas.
Campaigners have also expressed safety concerns during development as between five and eight HGVs and construction vehicles would visit the site daily.
Mrs M Weston, another Grafton Lane resident, supports the proposal and refutes the opposition.
She said: “I work from home and can confirm the low numbers of traffic and pedestrians I have witnessed over many years.”
Other concerns raised include security of the site, and lasting environmental and visual impacts on green belt landscape and nearby historic listed buildings.
But some believe the biodiversity enhancements and benefits of renewable energy would be positive for the area and be a step towards helping Bromsgrove achieve its 2040 net zero target.
The public consultation garnered 55 opposing and 45 supportive comments.
When the Standard spoke to Spring last July, it said health and safety would be paramount and relevant management plans would be implemented to mitigate impacts.
Foxwalks Solar Farm Opposition Group members will be given three minutes to address the committee with their objections during Monday’s meeting.
Visit publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications and search 23/00896/FUL for more information.
