PLANS to build a solar farm between two south Warwickshire villages look set to be given the go-ahead.
Belvedere Energy Developments has applied to Stratford District Council for a temporary permission for the 4.5hectare farm on land off Hambridge Road between Bishop’s Itchington and Ladbroke.
The 11-acre site at Weddington Farm – roughly the size of seven football pitches – is currently used for agriculture but the company want to turn part of it into a solar park to help safeguard its future.
They say the farm – which would be made up of some 7,800 panels – has been carefully considered and there would be minimal visual and environmental impact on the surrounding area.
The company have carried out a consultation and maintain concerns about traffic management and highways have now been resolved.
The 25-year development would generate just over 2 MW of electricity per year, which is enough to cover the entire power needs of more than 600 homes.
Bishop’s Itchington Parish Council has objected to the plans citing concerns about the impact on nearby residents during the construction phase.
It has also raised fears the development would have a substantial adverse impact on the landscape as the site is close to a country lane popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
And they say the area has already made a contribution to renewable energy by supporting the nearby Southam Solar Farm off Plough Lane, which has now been built and is currently up and running.
But despite this, officers are recommending the solar scheme be given the green light when it goes before the authority’s planning committee at a meeting on Wednesday (August 24).
