Exhibition to explain plans for 300-acre solar farm around beauty spot near Dudley

The public will be invited to see plans for a 300-acre solar farm surrounding a popular beauty spot on the edge of the Black Country at an exhibition next week.

Qualitas Energy wants to install solar panels on 14 farmer’s fields around Highgate Common, between Dudley and Stourbridge.

The company says that, if approved, the scheme will generate enough electricity to meet the needs of 16,200 homes.

But Councillor Sean Massey, who represents Himley and Swindon ward on South Staffordshire Council, said it would have a devastating impact on the countryside and would compromise a number of historically significant sites.

The company has invited people to have their say on the proposals on the scheme, which it has called Fraxinus Solar Farm, in a consultation, which runs until October 1.

As part of this process, it will be staging a public exhibition at Swindon Community Centre on Tuesday (September 15), from 4pm to 7pm.

“Following this, we will review feedback and refine the plans before submitting a formal planning application to South Staffordshire District Council,” said a statement from the company.

“The council will then assess the proposals and decide whether to grant planning permission.”

The company has lodged a ‘scoping report’ with South Staffordshire Council, a preliminary procedure ahead of a full planning application which is expected to follow during ‘winter 2026’.

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, which the company has called Fraxinus Solar Farm, would 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.”

Cadent Gas Ltd, formerly National Grid, has objected on the grounds that had the potential to affect its gas equipment in the area.

Concerns have also been expressed that it will interfere with numerous walking routes around the area, and about the risk of flooding.

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.