PROPOSALS to build one of the country’s largest solar parks in the Malvern Hills district have been thrown out by councillors.
The ‘industrial sized’ farm would have included 161,000 solar panels – enough to power 11,600 houses, over 185 acres on Woodhall Farm in Wichenford.
But Malvern Hills District Council unanimously rejected the application, which was set to cover 15 fields, at a Northern Area Development Committee meeting last Wednesday (July 15).
Objector Peter Parson said: “Solar power does have its role in the mix but it should be in the right place and the right size.
“Woodhall Farm is not such a site, it already has a useful role providing the county with food.
“Flooding is also a county-wide issue and the danger of flood risk on this site is real.”
Coun David Harrison, councillor for Kempsey, added: “I think this is too big and too near to local properties.
“It is probably too much for us as a council to endure and certainly for residents to endure.
“Having walked a significant part of the footpath the crops were also of extremely high quality and were not ready to be harvested.”
However, a 26,000 panel solar farm on the adjacent Allsets Farm was unanimously passed by councillors at the same meeting.
The park, in Broadwas, will cover 32 acres and could provide electricity for up to 1,600 homes.
Coun Barbara Williams, councillor for the area, said: “We must take renewable energy seriously, especially if it is in the right location.
“This development is well protected from the impact it may have on the surrounding areas by means of isolation. The ground also has a middle dip where most of the panels are due to be set which will help screen the site.”
