Solar farm to be built near Mitcheldean
It could power 4,000 homes in Gloucestershire
Plans to build a solar farm that could power 4,000 homes in Gloucestershire have been given the go-ahead.
Opdenergy UK 3 Limited has been granted permission to build the new site on 50 acres of land at Locquiers Farm near Mitcheldean in the Forest of Dean.
The proposal includes installing 37,000 fixed solar panels in rows up to 9.8 ft in height which would be facing south.
Once installed the solar arrays will provide the opportunity for the creation of pasture underneath to be used for grazing for livestock such as sheep.
Mitcheldean Parish Council had objected to the proposals as they are too close to the Westbury Brook Hibernation Mine and the Wigpool Hibernation Mine.
These two sites are of special scientific interest and part of the Wye Dean special area of conservation.
Parish councillors also said the site is within the statutory forest and does not comply with their neighbourhood development plan.
They say it’s a valued landscape and recreational space with waymarked circular walks and the Wysis Way footpath nearby. It is also one of the few places offering peace and tranquillity between Drybrook and Mitcheldean.
Speaking at the planning committee meeting, Councillor Thom Forester (Independent Alliance, Mitcheldean, Ruardean and Drybrook) spoke against the proposals which he said are the thin end of the wedge.
However, Councillor Brian Lewis (Con, Hartpury and Redmarley) proposed approving the scheme and this was seconded by Councillor Julia Gooch (The Progressive Independents, Newent and Taynton)
The committee voted to approve the scheme by eight votes to one with one abstention.
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