Telford & Wrekin Council considers solar farm

A possible site in Hadley is to be discussed in a Cabinet report which will be published later this month.

Proposals to put forward plans for a publicly funded solar farm at Wheat Leasows will be discussed at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on Thursday 19 September.

The project would form part of the Council’s strategy to find new ways of bringing income in to help to protect the services that the Council provides.

The council says the solar farm would be another step towards creating a more sustainable council, the project would also reduce the borough’s carbon footprint generating electricity to power around 1,000 homes.

If the scheme is supported by the Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet, there will be a formal consultation process prior to any planning application.

Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Commercial Strategy & Economic Projects, said: “This project demonstrates the Council’s commitment to finding new and innovative ways to support ourselves in the face of cuts in our Government grant.

“Not only will the proposals help to secure fund for future services but will also help to secure local energy too.

“We hope that these proposals will help to create a more sustainable council while securing an important source of income to support key services.

“We’ve already started talking with local residents and they and the wider community will be consulted extensively throughout any planning process to ensure that all views are considered.

“If the project were to proceed, this would be only the second Council-run solar farm in the UK.”