Blithfield Parish Council Response to planning application P/2024/00696 Moreton Brook Solar Farm
Following a public meeting and informal presentation from Aura Power, and with almost 100% support from those that attended, Blithfield Parish Council resolved, unanimously to oppose the planning application for a solar farm at Moreton Brook. They make the following comments:
- The parish is an agricultural community which includes 10 farms. The tenanted farm in question (currently growing wheat), will in effect lose its viability, the family will lose the majority of their livelihood. There is a serious concern about food security, going forward. Suggested sheep farming and bee keeping are token gestures and not an alternative. Shade and water run-off mean any agriculture is un-productive and the land will be in a terrible state and not easily returned to its former glory in 35 years’ time.
- The integrity of the area will be lost if farm land is used for solar farms, the concern is that the ‘flood gates’ are opening and that once one is approved on a beautiful, productive, nature rich, tranquil site, many more will be. Indeed the council are aware of a number of planning applications in our small area that are either existing or intended.
- Rare species of bird fly over the site regularly to feed on fish in Blithfield Reservoir. There is also a serious threat and disruption to other wildlife. Birds and bats often mistake the panels for water and are killed when they fly into them.
- There is concern about the environmental impact of the solar farm, not just from an aesthetic point of view but also contamination. Solar panels use rare and in some cases dangerous minerals in their production including cadmium, which will leach into soil and then run off into Moreton Brook causing contamination to waterways and wild life. Panels are not recyclable and at this time, will go to landfill when spent.
- There are reservations about existing flooding issues on roads and farmland and how the solar farm will effect Moreton Brook and will they be made worse by the solar farm.
- More thought needs to be given to the carbon footprint of constructing the farm and disposing of spent panels, along with the loss of food production, against the efficiency of the solar farm to produce renewable energy over a period of time. It is a well known fact that, despite their many, deliberately glossed-over shortcomings, even wind turbines are more efficient in the provision of power than solar and the output figures quoted in this application assumes maximum conversion rates in perfect solar conditions. There is a large gap between ideal and reality results.
- Much more investment should be put in to installing solar farms on brown field sites, roofs, over car parks etc. and the use of off shore windfarms.
- There is a great deal of concern by many in the parish about the weight of traffic during construction and the suitability of the roads. Should the application be given approval, what guarantees do we have that the local roads will cope and also be maintained and repaired? The intended access off B5013 onto Lea Lane, is just about wide enough for 2 cars to pass but not farm traffic, add a large number of HGVs over many months and transport of over 200 workers on a daily basis and we are going to have serious damage to the roads and the verges, and potential gridlock. The junction on to the fast and twisty, in some places narrow B5013 is also a major worry, already being a very dangerous road.
- The solar farm will be visible from Cannock Chase (SAC), from where you will see the full impact of the glare when the sun shines on the panels.
- A house less than 20 metres from the solar farm perimeter will not only have a complete change of view but also be impacted by CCTV cameras.
- We have been offered a ‘sweetener’ of an index linked 20k per year. What guarantees and legal obligations can we be assured, should the planning application be granted?
Whilst Blithfield Parish Council appreciate the planning committee must consider carefully all aspects of the application, the parishioners of Blithfield are relying on the committee to make the right decision and reject this application.
THERE IS STILL TIME TO EMAIL YOUR OWN COMMENTS TO EAST STAFFORDSHIRE BOROUGH COUNCILS PLANNING DEPARTMENT
quote ref: P/2024/00696 Moreton Brook Solar Farm
Aura Power Moreton Brook Solar Farm Briefing Note
Click on this link to access
Moreton Brook Solar Farm – Briefing Note – August 2024 (1) (1)
Public Meeting
BLITHFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
INVITES ALL RESIDENTS
TO ATTEND A PUBLIC MEETING
at Admaston Village Hall
on Wednesday 27 November 2024 at 7pm
TO DISCUSS PLANNING APPLICATION P/2024/00696
FOR approx. 150 ACRE SOLAR FARM at Moreton Brook, Newton
A REPRESENTATIVE OF AURA POWER WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE
AND WILL MAKE A PRESENTATION
If anyone wants to make a contribution to the debate but is unable to attend, please email the parish clerk blithfieldpc@gmail.com
Notice is hereby given
Following the public meeting
Blithfield Parish Council will hold a Planning Meeting
To discuss
Application P/2024/00696 Moreton Brook Solar Farm
further information regarding the application can be found by clicking on
http://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorer/ApplicationSearch.aspx
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Doors to new Staffordshire History Centre to open next month
People interested in exploring over a thousand years of Staffordshire’s history can do so when a new heritage centre for the county opens to the public on Wednesday 6 November.
The new £8.7 million Staffordshire History Centre project has been delivered by Staffordshire County Council and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with a grant of £4,858,699.
Combining three important collections from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service, the County Museum, and the William Salt Library, the new History Centre will offer visitors the chance to access and research fascinating archives and artefacts that tell the story of Staffordshire’s past.
Located on Eastgate Street in Stafford, the centre includes modern search rooms, strong rooms capable of holding a further 55 years of archives and collections and a bright exhibition space for displays and exhibitions. The centre will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
The adjacent restored William Salt Library building, part of the new centre, showcases William Salt’s unique collection and the history of the library itself, which has been cherished by local residents for decades.
An exciting programme of activities and touring exhibitions will also take history into local communities right across the county.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “We’re all incredibly excited about the project and delighted to be able to announce the opening date as 6 November.
“We’re extremely grateful for the funding from the Heritage Fund and we can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors alike to research and learn more about the rich history and culture that has shaped our great county.”
A Hub for History and Learning
The new centre is not just a place for historical collections. It features a remodelled research room, perfect for local historians, genealogists, and academics to delve deep into Staffordshire’s past.
The new education and learning space will host a range of school programmes, workshops, and events designed for all ages. During November and December there will be a range of activities for visitors to join in with including walking tours, spotlight talks and family friendly festive crafts.
People can stay up to date with any more news on the Staffordshire History Centre blog.
Staffordshire Police and Crime Consultation 2024 – 2028
Have Your Say, Staffordshire Police and Crime and Fire and Rescue Consultation
Please visit Have Your Say – Staffordshire Commissioner (staffordshire-pfcc.gov.uk) to share your views, and see the full draft Police & Crime Plan, and Fire & Rescue Plan 2024-2028.
All responses will be collated anonymously and used to inform the plans’ priorities.
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board People’s Panel
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local area, by taking part in several short online
surveys throughout the year.
Visit our website below, or scan the QR code on your mobile
phone to find out more and join the panel.
staffsstoke.icb.nhs.uk/peoples-panel
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Staffordshire Warmer Homes Scheme
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