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Staffordshire MP: We don't want Severn Trent's eyesore solar panels

Severn Trent Water is being called on to withdraw plans for a solar power farm in South Staffordshire after a number of complaints from residents.

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The firm has lodged an application for the development on farmland in Lower Penn.

But now, South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson has vowed to oppose the proposals and is urging bosses to withdraw the 'eyesore' plans. He said he would fight it 'every step of the way'.

The installation of solar panels on the land would assist in power generation at Dimmingsdale Water Production Works at the Pumping Station in Dimmingsdale Road, Lower Penn.

But Mr Williamson said residents have complained that no real assessment has been made of the impact of the proposal on residents in the area as they were neither consulted nor informed that Severn Trent had put in a planning application.

Mr Williamson said: "I have called on the chief executive of Severn Trent to withdraw this planning application.

"My personal view is Severn Trent should focus on its objective of delivering water and sewerage services to my constituents not developing monstrosities and eyesores cluttering the local area.

"I very much hope this proposal will be withdrawn and can assure you I will be opposing it every step of the way."

Martin Dent, renewable energy manager at Severn Trent, said: "Treating and supplying water at our treatment works in Dimmingsdale is costly, so by generating our own energy with solar power at the works, we can reduce the amount of power we have to take from the grid.

"When plans were originally drawn up we did have some concerns from local neighbours about the location of the solar panels. We've since met with them to discuss their concerns and have we revised our plans."

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