Plans to build a solar farm at Clifford Chambers submitted to Stratford District Council
PLANS to build a huge solar farm in Clifford Chambers which would power 7,500 homes have been submitted to Stratford District Council.
Elgin Energy EsCo Ltd has identified 140 acres of agricultural land in Campden Road that it would use to house solar panels, inverters, substation, access track and CCTV.
It is estimated the solar farm, which would be in operation for 40 years before being returned to full agricultural use, would generate 26MW of electricity per year, enough to power 7,500 homes or 8,600 electric vehicles.
The applicants say not all of the site will be used for development due to the existing woodland and vegetation, which will be retained as far as possible.
Elgin Energy said in a leaflet provided to residents that the provision of birds boxes, insect hotels and wildflower meadows would provide 'significant opportunities' for biodiversity enhancements.
They added: 'Once the solar farm is operational, sheep farming can take place, ensuring the lands remains in agricultural use.'
A public consultation was held on 13th September in Jubilee Hall, Clifford Chambers, which was attended by 18 people, including parish councillors.
The following feedback was received:
- Recommendation to maximise opportunities including making funds available to assist with solar panels on the village hall to reduce running costs, grants to improve such facilities, including additional play equipment and tree planting.
- Suggestion to retain as much of the landscaping, hedges and trees on site and to add to these where possible.
- Suggestion for grass seed planting for sheep grazing and to encourage biodiversity and ecology which would be an asset.
- Pay particular attention to traffic management during this period to minimise effects on the area.
- More consideration of impact on and maintenance of nearby watercourses.
- Request for screen hedging to be planted on north-east perimeter.
- Improvements to mobile phone coverage through the funding of new masts.
- Concern over loss of agricultural land and visual impact.
- Recommended focus on residential and commercial development over solar.
In their planning statement, Elgin Energy said that the development would not result in the loss of the 'best and most versatile' land as described in the national planning policy framework and that the local landscape 'has the capacity to absorb the proposed change... without significant harm'.
They added the solar farm would not have an impact on flood risk and drainage, trees and transport.
Stratford District Council has until 28th April to make a decision on the plans.
