loading . . . Eccleshall solar farm plans refused after more than 100 objections Plans for a large solar farm on farmland south of Eccleshall have been refused by Stafford Borough Council after more than 100 objections were lodged.
The proposed development was earmarked for two sections of land east of Horsley Hall at Wincote Lane, Wootton.
Planning officers had recommended the scheme for approval, but members of the council’s planning committee voted to refuse permission at a special meeting on Thursday, June 25.
The land identified for the development covered 43 hectares, or 106 acres, across five fields to the north of Wincote Lane and one field to the northeast of Cash Lane.
The solar farm would have been a temporary development, in place for around 40 years.
According to the committee report, Stafford Borough Council received 110 objections to the application. Eccleshall Parish Council also opposed the scheme, while one letter was described as being “broadly in support, yet raising concerns regarding highways matters”.
Councillors refused the plans because of concerns over harm to the appearance and character of the area when viewed from Cash Lane and Wincote Lane, the impact on nearby residents and road users due to glint and glare from the panels, and insufficient mitigation measures.
They also cited harm to the setting of nearby Johnson Hall, which is a Grade II Listed building.
## Concerns over farmland and countryside impact
Colin Graham spoke against the application at the meeting and said objections included “industrial-scale intrusion into unspoilt countryside in Eccleshall Parish”.
> “You cannot say that 43 hectares of solar panels, framing components, security fencing and CCTV cameras is not an intrusion viewed from surrounding hamlets.”
He also raised concerns about nearby heritage assets and the quality of the agricultural land.
> “Great care should be taken to ensure heritage assets are conserved in a manner appropriate to their significance. The site is overlooked by Grade I Listed High Offley Church, Grade II Listed Cash Farm, Johnson Hall and Johnson Hall Lodge.”
Mr Graham said the site included good quality agricultural land and added that the Cash Lane site had been used to grow wheat, barley, oats, maize and potatoes.
> “Placing an industrial-sized development on agricultural land at a time of food shortage, over-reliance on imports and the war in Ukraine is strategically short-sighted.”
He also questioned whether the local lanes were suitable for the development, citing concerns about width, soft verges, passing places and drainage.
## Supporters pointed to renewable energy benefits
Louise Chadwick, a planning agent who spoke in support of the application, said Stafford Borough Council had declared a climate emergency in July 2019 and that renewable energy developments had a role to play in local and national decarbonisation objectives.
> “The proposed development will generate enough energy to power around 9,600 homes every year and offset approximately 12,900 tonnes of CO2 per year over its 40-year lifespan.”
She said the officers’ report showed the principle of the development was considered acceptable and in line with the National Planning Policy Framework and the Local Plan.
The committee was told that proposed landscape mitigation included maintaining hedgerows at a height of three metres, alongside additional hedgerow and tree planting.
The construction period would have lasted around four to five months, with a one-way system proposed for construction vehicles to reduce the chance of HGVs meeting on Wincote Lane and Cash Lane.
Ms Chadwick acknowledged that the site contained best and most versatile agricultural land, but said it represented 20 per cent of the landowners’ total landholding and had been selected because it was the lowest yielding land, with crop yields 20 to 30 per cent lower than other land in their holding.
She added that the land could still be retained for sheep grazing, with planting proposed to provide biodiversity improvements.
## Councillors raise questions over local benefit
Eccleshall councillor Jeremy Pert was unable to attend the meeting, but provided a written statement which was read out.
> “Solar should be on industrial buildings and car parks, not on the precious resource we cannot make any more of to satisfy the existing needs of our population today.”
He said the key question was whether the public benefits outweighed the harm caused to the location.
> “This is not ordinary farmland, it is some of the best quality farmland available.”
Committee member Councillor Frances Beatty also raised concerns about the loss of productive farmland.
Councillor Jill Hood said: “Nowhere is there any evidence that the local area is going to benefit, yet the impact on 100-odd acres is going to be dire.”
Councillor Scott Spencer highlighted the use of farmland to produce haylage and silage for animal rearing, as well as crop production.
He said: “I would like to move refusal on a number of issues.”
The committee voted to refuse permission for the solar farm.
### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp
Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone!
Get Instant Updates
#### Enjoyed this story?
The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire.
Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county.
Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal**** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/eccleshall-solar-farm-plans-refused-after-more-than-100-objections/
