Campaign group takes stand against plans for Bromsgrove solar farm

A pre-consultation has been launched for Foxwalks Solar Farm off Grafton Manor Lane on land which is currently used for sheep grazing.

Foxwalk Solar Farm Bromsgrove Opposition Group say the plans are ‘ludicrous’.

However, one resident of Grafton Manor Lane said he cannot see any downside to the proposals as ‘the energy has to come from somewhere’.

Developer, Spring, hopes a formal planning application can be submitted to Bromsgrove District Council at the end of June.

One of the fields included in the proposed site. (Image: NQ)

Carl Bishop, spokesperson for Foxwalk Solar Farm Bromsgrove Opposition Group, said one of their main concerns is the safety aspect when constructing the solar farm.

“Grafton Manor Lane is an extremely narrow road and is not wide enough to fit two cars down,” said Carl.

“People use it for walking and horse riding and there is a network of footpaths down the lane.

“There will be big HGVs coming down the lane and it’s so dangerous – there will be an accident.

“Before the Covid pandemic, it was a busy road for walkers but now since the pandemic, it’s become even busier as people have discovered the number of walking footpaths down here.

Proposals have been shared for a 36 hectare solar panel farm. (Image: NQ.)

“There is only a handful of us that live down the lane but it’s not just us affected it’s all of Bromsgrove.

“We have to make a stand and we want the best for Bromsgrove.

“It’s just not very green to build on a greenbelt field.

“Why ruin greenbelt for green energy? It doesn’t make sense.”

Stuart Peplow also from the group said: “Construction traffic will also be going over the bridge over the M5 which is only meant to be used for light farm traffic.

“What about if something falls off onto the motorway?

“It’s a huge health and safety issue.”

Grafton Lane. (Image: NQ)

However, resident Pete Austin said he is in favour of the solar farm.

“A solar farm is a perfect solution,” said Pete.

“There’s a working farm next door and the M5 and they are pretty noisy so I don’t see how solar panels will make any noise.

“I can’t see any problem whatsoever; solar panels are good for the environment.

“Having a few lorries coming down the lane won’t make any difference as tractors come up and down.”

Hugo House, director at Spring said a letter was sent to Foxwalks Farm last October letting them know of early-stage planning and leaflets and information were sent to residents in February.

“We have had email exchanges and meetings and also presented plans to the parish council meeting on Monday (June 19),” said Hugo.

A bridge over the M5. (Image: NQ)

“Some of the work we will submit is the construction traffic management plan and the planning process needs to be satisfied that health and safety is acceptable.

“We will have banksmen along the lane so there are people helping the traffic we are bringing in.

“Highways England needs to be satisfied with what we are proposing.

“We will be submitting a Construction Environment Management Plan.

“When the planning application is ready - that is when we have got all the information we want to present.

“We have tried to be as engaged and communicative as we can.”