Plan for new solar farm clears early hurdle

Plans for a new solar farm in Herefordshire have cleared an early planning hurdle, allowing the project to move to its next stage.

Developer ILOS New Energy UK had proposed putting solar panels at Thinghill Court, near Withington, east of Hereford.

A plan for the site showed nine blocks of solar panels, a substation, control room and a weather station.

The scheme would be significantly larger than a solar proposal at Acton Beauchamp near Bromyard, that was rejected earlier this year.

New access tracks would also be built off the C1130.

Among those who commented on the scheme was Wendy Bannerman, from the British Horse Society, who said a transport plan should take into account the narrow lanes, including part of the Three Choirs Way, which are used by horse riders and walkers.

Brian Jones, from Lea, raised concerns about "veteran and ancient trees" nearby, including rare wild black poplars.

Herefordshire Council officials decided the proposal did not need an extra environmental study, meaning the developers are free to take the idea forward into a full planning application.

Councillor Paul Andrews, chairman of Withington Group Parish Council, said they have so far only noted the initial application, but would provide a fuller response once a detailed bid was submitted, based on residents' views.

A previous plan for a similarly sized solar farm overlapping the same land was approved in 2023 but had not been taken any further. The deadline for starting that project has passed.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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