Solar farm: coming to a field near you?

Renewable energy development company Enfinity UK wants to build the park, which could have up to 22,000 solar panels, in Elms Farm, on land north of the B4087 between Wellesbourne and Newbold Pacey.

The panels, which would stand around 3m tall, would be arranged in 40 rows on an area of 14,485 hectares.

The company, which pays for, develops, builds and runs solar power projects across the world, says there will be no waste produced on the site and the community will benefit from a source of sustainably-produced renewable energy.

But, although the firm has yet to submit a planning application, concerns have already been raised by residents in the area.

Wellesbourne parish council discussed the matter at a meeting on Tuesday. Speaking afterwards, Cllr Roger Wright said: “We are concerned about glare from the panels and the massive area of development on good agricultural ground.

“The company ought to be looking at a redundant brownfield site, for example Long Marston Airfield.

“This site is in the heart of the countryside. There could also be a highway safety issue.”

Newbold Pacey resident Sally Jones said there had been a lot of interest in the village, but her first reaction was one of concern.

She said: “I would think it is probably going to be a disruption and eyesore to the village. This is a very beautiful and unspoilt part of Warwickshire. It would be entirely inappropriate.”

It is intended that the land, which is currently used to grow crops, would still be used for other types of farming, for example grazing, after the panels are installed.

Enfinity UK says the entire site will take just two months to build and, once complete, the panels themselves will have no mechanical parts, which would result in little noise impact on the area.

The company told the Courier that the people living near the farm will be fully consulted before any concrete plans are made.

Meanwhile there is a chance to put forward views now in a pre-planning application consultation, which ends on Wednesday. Call Stratford District Council on 01789 260356 or email [email protected]