Telford solar farm planning application approved
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Planning Committee last night approved an application to build a publicly funded solar farm in the borough.
Plans for the solar farm, to be built on land at Wheat Leasows, were put forward in February.
Approval for the application last night now means that plans can now move forward and a tender process started to find a contractor.
The Council has made a commitment to move towards a more sustainable financial position to help offset government cuts and the solar farm project is a part of its strategy to find new ways of bringing income in that will help to protect frontline services such as adult care services and particularly care packages for vulnerable adults.
The proposal is to develop a commercial-scale solar farm of approximately 4MW capacity on Council-owned land in Wheat Leasows.
The solar farm would be made up of more than 16,000 panels on a site of 11.7 hectares which would generate enough electricity to power more than 800 homes.
The solar farm will form a part of the Council’s wider energy strategy to aid a reduction in its carbon footprint which includes improving energy efficiency and energy generation in Council buildings.
Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin’s cabinet member with responsibility for Commercial Strategy & Economic Projects, said: “We’re delighted that the planning application for the proposed solar farm has been approved.
“The project demonstrates our commitment to show community leadership and to be a greener council.
“We hope that the solar farm will help to secure funding for future services and also help to secure local energy.”
