VILLAGERS are being given the chance to view plans for a massive solar farm near Stratford Racecourse.
Proposals by Lightsource Renewable Energy are at an early stage but the company said it is keen for nearby Luddington residents to have a say.
If it goes ahead, the site on land between Evesham Road and Luddington Road would generate enough electricity to power 4,000 homes.
Designs for the solar farm – roughly the size of 37 football pitch-es – include a two metre high timber and wire perimeter fence.
With plans for more trees and bushes around the site’s edge the company say the vast majority of panels would be screened from view, and sheep would continue to graze the land during its 25 to 30 year lifespan.
Conor McGuigan, Planning and Development Director at Lightsource, said: “The site is not within greenbelt land, and we believe it is of utmost importance that visual impact is kept to a minimum and that the agricultural, historical and rural traditions of the area are respected.
“We understand that people may also have questions or concerns they would like to raise and we would welcome their input.”
Designs will be on display on at Luddington Village Hall between 4-7pm on Wednesday (June 25).
*A DECISION on controversial plans for another solar farm on the outskirts of Stratford has been put back.
Members of Stratford District Council’s Planning Committee will now visit the site at Burton Farm on July 9 before deciding whether to give the go-ahead later the same day.
Concern has been voiced the site – roughly the size of 17 football pitches – could be an eyesore as it will be the first thing visitors see when arriving by train.
And there is also concern the 17,600 panels would be clearly visible from The Ridgeway, which is used by tourist buses visiting Mary Arden’s Farm.
JBM Solutions, which put in the application, argue the benefits of renewable energy outweigh green belt concerns, and say the visual impact on the surrounding area will be limited.
