300-acre solar farm at beauty spot near Dudley moves a step closer as company makes announcement

Controversial plans for a 330-acre solar farm at a popular beauty spot on the fringes of the Black Country have moved a step closer after the company behind the scheme gave formal notice of its plans.

Emily Avery, acting on behalf of Fraxinus Solar Farm Ltd, has formally given notice that the company will be applying for planning permission for the development around Highgate Common, between Dudley and Stourbridge.

The proposals have sparked fierce opposition from Himley and Swindon ward councillor Sean Massey, whose petition against the scheme has so far amassed more than 1,100 signatures.

If approved, solar panels will be installed in 14 farmers’ fields around the common, which is a favourite spot for picnics and dog-walking.

The company a subsidiary of Qualitas Energy is seeking to install solar panels on 14 farmer’s field, said the scheme would generate enough electricity to meet the needs of 16,200 homes.

It said the findings of a public consultation which ended on October 1, would be taken into account when submitting the plans. It said solar panels would be removed from some of the site's most visually prominent fields, resulting in an 18 per cent reduction in visibility from surrounding areas.

But Councillor Massey said it would have a devastating impact on the countryside and would compromise a number of historically significant sites.

Qualitas said the development, which would covers sites around Camp Hill Road, Chasepool Road, Enville Common Road, World’s End Road and Greensforge, would make a major contribution to the transition to cleaner energy.

“This project would play an important role in helping England’s important transition to a low carbon economy and will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with UK Government and international targets, including the legally binding commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050,” said a statement from the company.

But Councillor Massey said a large number of residents had expressed their unhappiness about the impact of the scheme on both the surrounding area, and on the view.

Highgate Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, protected for its rare lowland heathland habitat that supports more than 140 species of bees and wasps. Checkhill Boggs, a wetlands to the south of the proposed development, also has SSSI status.

The development will also come within 60 yards of the Roman fortress site at Greensforge.

Councillor Massey said: “I have had a number of concerns from local residents regarding the impact this development will have on the green belt, the proximity to the Roman fort, and the Site of Special Scientific Interest.

“It’s going to be devastating, and will be seen for miles around.”

During a previous preliminary ‘scoping’ application, Cadent Gas objected on the grounds that had the potential to affect its gas equipment in the area.

The scoping report said that the total site would cover 18 fields, across an area of just over 353 acres, but only 14 of those fields would actually have solar panels installed, covering about 295 acres.

The scheme will be considered by South Staffordshire Council’s planning department.