Solar farm plans near Eccleshall is among the latest Staffordshire planning applications - see all the proposed developments here

Proposals for the development to the south east of Cotes Heath, near Eccleshall, on a 24 hectare (59.3 acre) site next to the A519 Newcastle Road went on public display in January.

An application for the construction and operation of a ground-mounted solar farm and associated infrastructure, access, ancillary works and landscaping has now been submitted to Stafford Borough Council by Cotes Heath Solar Limited, part of Ampyr Solar Europe. If the plans are given the green light, the site is expected to generate up to 15 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to be exported to the local grid, which could meet the needs of approximately 7,400 homes per year, and the development could be in place for up to 50 years.

The plans met with a mixed response from nearby residents at the January consultation. And the application has already met with objections.

One objector said, “There are plenty of other brownfield sites across the county where this development would be better suited.” Another raised concerns about the loss of high-quality agricultural land and proximity to an A road “where visibility is not good at the best of times and any reflections from the panels will be dangerous.”

They added, “The size of the proposed development is multiple times larger than the villages it is next to. The value of the components/materials in the proposed development is such that it will become a magnet for metal thieves; this will increase crime from non-existent in the village and will probably mean that our houses will be burgled.”

Councillor Jeremy Pert has called the application in for consideration by the planning committee. The call-in was made for the committee “to discuss the planning balance from the visual impact to the surrounding area, use of prime agricultural land (BMV) for non-agricultural purposes and whether there is already sufficient permissioned environmentally friendly energy production in the wider region or better alternative sites.”

A planning, design and access statement submitted as part of the application said: “Although the proposed development is located on BMV agricultural land and is, therefore, not compliant with policy, the material considerations, including the need for renewable energy developments, demonstrate that these outweigh the non-compliance with policy. Within 10km of the connection point, Natural England’s provisional Agricultural Land Classification Map shows that the majority of land outside urban areas is classified as Grade 2 or 3 (BMV land).

“The proposed development will provide notable gains in biodiversity – well above the 10% legal requirement for all types of units – by supplementing the existing vegetation and hedgerows surrounding the application site with a range of native species and the provision of new shelterbelt and woodland planting that delivers additional green linkages. In addition, the temporary use of the land as a solar farm will provide opportunities for improved grassland species in-between the solar panels which will contribute to enhancing biodiversity and deliver new habitats.

“There is a recognised need and support for renewable energy technology within Development Plan policy, national planning policy and national and local policy guidance. This development would contribute towards the targets set for the UK’s greenhouse gas emission reduction and increasing the country’s energy supply from renewable sources and more specifically, assist Stafford Borough Council in its own fight against climate change.”

Below are other planning applications published or validated by Staffordshire councils in recent days

Stafford Borough Council

25/40963/POTH: Installation of a 150.3kWp roof mounted solar PV array at Staffordshire Police Authority, Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0YY

25/40955/TCA: Burton Manor Village Conservation Area: Horse Chestnut – Pollard to about 12 foot at 3 Burton Manor Road, Stafford, ST17 9QW

25/40937/TWT: TPO (Tree Preservation Order) 637 2025: Oak – Prune to 3m clearance from the building and garage. Remove dead wood and epicormic growth at Barlaston Village Hall, 1 Longton Road, Barlaston, ST12 9AA

25/40930/NDEM: Demolition of single storey wing forming the north-west of the building footprint adjoining the two-storey area, single storey wing forming the western central area of the building footprint adjacent to the main entrance and single storey seclusion suite forming the north-east of the building footprint adjoining the two-storey area and the adjacent Newport House at Marston House, St George’s Hospital, Corporation Street, Stafford

25/40932/TCA: Walton on the Hill Conservation Area: Yew – Tree reduction by 1.5m and tidy up to the north elevation at The Old Vicarage, School Lane, Walton on the Hill, Stafford, ST17 0LF

25/40897/TWT: TPO 60 1978: Poplar – Fell due to danger to traffic on Weston Road at Kingston Pool Covert, Marlborough Avenue, Kingston Hill, Stafford

25/40884/HOU: Demolition of conservatory, replacement single storey rear extension. Extension on principal elevation. Removal of existing garage roof, replacement wrap around roof at 30 Commonside Close, Stafford, ST16 3FP

25/40876/FUL: Construction and operation of a ground-mounted solar farm and associated infrastructure, access, ancillary works and landscaping on land east of Newcastle Road, Swynnerton, ST21 6RX

25/40867/HOU: Rear infill extensions, front infill extension to include a front porch, creation of second floor, raise the ridge height of the roof at Heather Lodge, 2 Old Acre Lane, Brocton, ST17 0TW

25/40813/TWT: TPO 295 2003: Oak (T17) – 2m height and 3m (approximate) lateral reduction as per report recommendations and site visit at Silkmore Sports Ground, Silkmore Lane, Stafford, ST17 4JN

25/40776/FUL: Addition of a self-service car wash and associated apparatus (Sui Generis) on the site of a former car dealership (Sui Generis) at 11A Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 2EX

25/40752/FUL: Change of use from retail to hot food takeaway (Sui Generis) at 37 Weston Road, Stafford, ST16 3RL

25/40692/FUL: Demolition of existing garage and construction of a single detached two-storey dwellinghouse on the site of 5 Gaol Butts, to be delivered as a custom self-build project including associated hard and soft landscaping and new vehicular and pedestrian access to proposed site and also 5 Gaol Butts at 5 Gaol Butts, Eccleshall, ST21 6AE

25/40866/FUL: Proposed self build detached three bedroom dwelling including new pedestrian and vehicular access, two car parking spaces and associated works at White Rock, The Rank, Gnosall, ST20 0BU

25/40367/OUT: Change of use of side garden land to building plot and seeking outline plan sent for construction of two storey house with three bedrooms with a conservatory at rear and garage or carport at bottom of garden (all matters reserved) on land adjacent to 43 Greensome Lane, Doxey

East Staffordshire Borough Council

P/2025/00370: Erection of a part first floor side extension at 7 Holly Road, Barton under Needwood, DE13 8LP

P/2025/00666: Application under Section 73A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for a minor material amendment to vary condition 2 of

P/2024/01173 for the demolition of existing garage to facilitate the erection of a part two storey and single storey front, side and rear extension by way of altering dormer to front elevation, removing proposed window to utility room, alterations to windows, installation of flue, installation of solar panels to rear elevation and alterations to eaves heights at Stanmar, Dunstall Road, Barton under Needwood, DE13 8AX

P/2025/00693: Retention of 13 posts with CCTV cameras and mounted tannoys at Indurent Park, Gateway Road, Barton under Needwood, DE13 8FL

P/2025/00739: Application for a certificate of lawfulness relating to a lawful commencement of the approved conversion including addition of new windows and doors of agricultural building to form dwelling, installation of septic tank, erection of a two bay oak framed building to replace existing outbuilding and formation of a new access in relation to condition 1 of P/2022/00487 at Whitewood Lodge, Sich Lane, Whitewood, Yoxall, DE13 8NS

P/2025/00699: Conversion of existing garage to form additional living accommodation at 8 Primrose Drive, Branston, DE14 3GS

P/2025/00734: Installation of air source heat pump to rear elevation at 9 Cameron Close, Stapenhill, DE15 9GT

P/2025/00345: Erection of a first floor extension to form four apartments, extension of existing extraction flue, formation of new stairwell and stores, external remodelling of existing rear car parking at 156 Station Street, Burton, DE14 1BS

P/2025/00763: Erection of a single storey side extension with a pitched roof at 61 Weston Park Avenue, Burton, DE14 2AF

P/2025/00267: Erection of a single storey rear link extension, conversion of outbuilding to office/utility with associated external alterations and replace ground floor rear window with French door at Hollybush Cottage, Hollybush Road, Newborough, DE13 8SF

P/2025/00742: Change of use of land to form part of residential curtilage, retention and additional formation of hard standing to form driveway and erection of a detached double garage with external staircase at Chantry Cottage, Roost Hill, Newborough, DE13 8ST

P/2025/00757: Removal of four side laterals overhanging water to one Sycamore (260 of TPO 1AA1) and removal of two lower limbs overhanging water to one Ash tree (268 of TPO 1AA1) at Brook Hollows, Spinney Wood, The Lawns, Rolleston on Dove, DE13 9BZ

P/2025/00711: Two storey side and rear extension, raising of ridge height and installation of first floor side window on east elevation at 117 Shobnall Street, Burton, DE14 2HL

P/2025/00731: Listed Building application for the removal and replacement of existing cement render for lime based render to east elevation of 224 Shobnall Road, Burton, DE14 2BE

P/2025/00755: Hornbeam trees (TPO 366 (G1) adjacent to garden of 23 Rangemore Street to cut branches back to boundary fence up to 4.5 metres at 23 Rangemore Street, Burton, DE14 2ED

P/2025/00688: Erection of an attached single storey garage to the side elevation and a detached single storey building and two metre high fencing to the front of the property at 22 Claymills Road, Stretton, DE13 0JQ

P/2025/00535: Refurbishment of existing pitches, erection of four recessed dugouts, erection of camera pole, new tarmac pathways, erection of material storage bays and landscaping scheme at St Georges Park, Newborough Road, Needwood, DE13 9PD

P/2025/00744: Demolition of existing conservatory to facilitate the erection of single storey rear/side extension, installation of replacement bay window to south elevation and alterations to existing fenestrations on east elevation at 131 Byrds Lane, Uttoxeter, ST14 7LW

P/2025/00756: Erection of single storey extension to west elevation, conversion of existing detached garage to form annex including external alterations and installation of a flue at Greenacres Farm, Cullamore Lane, Willslock, ST14 8NJ

P/2025/00716: Overall crown reduction up to three metres of one Copper Beech tree and felling of one Yew tree at Copperbeech Cottage, Bagot Street, Abbots Bromley, WS15 3DB

P/2025/00780: Felling of one Cypress tree at Park Corner, 83 Main Street, Barton under Needwood, DE13 8AB

P/2025/00787: Prune up to 1m one Lawson Cypress tree (G1), crown lift up to 2.5m one Common Yew tree (8), crown lift up to 2.2m one Common Lime tree (18), crown lift up to 2.3m and prune adjacent spindle one Field Maple (19), remove deadwood from one Pedunculate Oak tree (20), crown lift low branches up to 2.3m one Common Lime tree (22), clean out crown to remove dead and dysfunctional wood one Common Ash tree (23), fell both stems to one Spindle tree (28), crown lift low branches up to 2.3m one Common Lime tree (30), clean out crown to remove dead and dysfunctional wood including removal of broken branch one Horse Chestnut tree (46), prune by up to 1m to clear from structure/wires/buildings one Norway Maple tree (55) and crown lift up low branches up to 2.2m one Hornbeam tree (58) at Thomas Russell Infants School, Station Road, Barton under Needwood, DE13 8DS

Cannock Chase District Council

CH/25/0209: Erection of a single storey side and two storey rear extension at 133 Dartmouth Avenue, Cannock, WS11 1EJ

CH/25/0240: Erection of two two-bed bungalows at 53 Hatherton Road, Cannock, WS11 1HG

CH/25/0241: Proposed replacement of front ground floor window to bay window, erection of a single storey rear extension, two storey side with single storey projection, rear dormer and installation of front Velux rooflights at 83 Bevan Lee Road, West Chadsmoor, Cannock, WS11 4PU

CH/25/0237: Erection of a single storey rear extension, first floor side extension and new front porch at 11 Cottage Close, Littleworth, Cannock, WS12 1BS

CH/25/0238: Erection of a single storey rear extension following demolition of existing utility room/conservatory at 17 Church Lane, Etchinghill, Rugeley, WS15 2TH

CH/25/0239: Non-material amendments to reserved matters approval CH/23/0308 (two storey side extension with new vehicular access and parking) to amend the wording of Condition 2 and removal of Condition 4 at former Rugeley Power Station

CH/23/0137/A: Application to discharge Condition 2 (materials datasheet), 8 (Noise assessment), 9 (bike rack), 14 (external management plan), 15 (bats, birds and hedgehogs), 16 (drainage) and 20 (PV Project Report) pursuant to CH/23/0137 (proposed new food convenience store with associated access and parking) on land at Farm Garage Petrol Station, 247 Hednesford Road, Cannock, WS12 3TE

CH/25/0227: Non-material amendment of planning permission ref: CH/23/0137 to amend plans and addition of ATM on land at Farm Garage Petrol Station, 247 Hednesford Road, Cannock, WS12 3TE

CH/22/0123/A: Discharge of conditions 5 (EV charging) , 6 (bat box) and 8 (contamination) on planning permission CH/22/0123 (erection of a two bed bungalow on land adjacent 7 Deer Close) at 7 Deer Close, Norton Canes, WS11 9ST

CH/25/0235: Change of use of land and erection of a five-bay self service car wash with ancillary equipment at the former Globe Inn, The Globe Site, East Cannock Road, Hednesford, WS12 1LZ

CH/25/0236: Non-material amendment of planning permission ref: CH/24/265 (demolition of part of the existing unit and the construction of a new build extension to create an additional workshop/equipment servicing area) to amend plans for layout at Finning Limited, Watling Street, Cannock, WS11 1SL

CH/25/0233: Proposed single storey pitched roof sub-station to accommodate an essential new incoming national grid power line at Cannock Chase Hospital, Brunswick Road, Cannock, WS11 5XY

CH/25/0229: Double storey rear extension, erection of a new front entrance porch, detached garage and installation of new dormer window at 11 Bishops Grange, Rugeley, WS15 3JY

CH/25/0232: Erection of a single storey rear extension and installation of new first floor front window at 3 Brunswick Road, Cannock, WS11 5SF

CH/25/0231: Non-material amendment of planning permission CH/25/0113 (erection of a single storey rear extension and conversion of existing garage into habitable room) to amend plans for addition of kitchen rooflight at 31 Hayfield Hill, Cannock Wood, WS15 4RP

South Staffordshire District Council

25/00663/TREE: Kinver Conservation Area: Row of conifers – crown reduction. Two sycamore – cut back branches at Paddock Cottage, Mill Lane, Kinver, DY7 6LG

25/00658/FULHH: Second storey extensions, alterations to existing porch and conversion of existing garage at 23 Keepers Lane, Codsall, WV8 2DP

25/00659/FULHH: Two storey side and rear extensions with single storey rear extension and porch at 40 Queens Road, Calf Heath, WV10 7DT

25/00386/COND: Discharge of conditions for 3 (Materials) and 4 (Ecology info) for application 25/00386/FULHH (demolition extensions and alterations to existing dwelling) at 71 Bratch Lane, Wombourne, WV5 8DJ

25/00662/LUE: Existing access entrance off Levedale Road at Keepers Croft, Levedale Road, Penkridge, ST19 5AT

25/00661/FULHH: Single storey rear extension, second storey side extension and internal remodelling at 15 Chapel Lane, Codsall, WV8 2EJ

25/00599/TTREE: TPO 08/00240/TPO – Sycamore – as identified on location plan as T1-Crown lift by up to 5m, shorten over extended laterals by up to 1.5m and removal of bowed area at 27 Meddins Lane, Kinver, DY7 6BZ

25/00656/TTREE: TPO 203/2002 and Wombourne Conservation Area: All trees on the boundary of Wombourne Cricket Tennis And Bowling Club – remove all epicormic growth up to 0.5 metres above first branch of each tree used for mounting Christmas lights at Church Road, Wombourne, WV5 9EZ

24/00724/COND: Discharge of conditions 9 (drainage) and 14 (biodiversity enhancements) at Clive Farm Buildings, Clive Road, Pattingham, WV6 7EN

25/00653/FULHH: First floor and ground floor side extensions at 24 Richmond Drive, Perton, WV6 7RR

22/01017/COND: Discharge of condition 3 (materials), condition 4 (landscape and floorscape), condition 5 (boundary treatment), condition 6 (foul and surface water drainage), condition 9 (CEMP) and condition 10 (Coal Authority condition) of application 22/01017/FUL (demolition of existing garages and hard standing and the construction of two semi-detached two storey houses with private rear and front gardens and off-street parking provision) at Garage Site, Alpha Way, Great Wyrley

25/00647/TTREE: TPO 16/1975: Four Ash (G1) – dismantle and remove. Plant four replacement trees at 90 Walsall Road, Great Wyrley, WS6 6LA

23/00924/COND2: Discharge of conditions from appeal decision APP/C3430/W/24/3348048 of application 23/00924/FUL (erection of a detached two storey two bedroom dwelling): Condition 6 (Coal Mining Mitigation), Condition 7 – (Signed Statement from Structural Engineer), Condition 8 – (Access Drive), Condition 9 (Parking Areas), Condition 10 (Bicycle Parking Facility) and Condition 11 (External Lighting) on land off Hartwell Lane, Great Wyrley, WS6 6NH

25/00610/FULHH: First floor rear extension above existing lobby at Beech Tree House, 16 Sandy Lane, Brewood, ST19 9ET

25/00607/FULM: Redevelopment of an existing farm shop and the construction of four padel courts and clubhouse with associated parking, landscaping, and access arrangements at Bradshaws Farm, Wrottesley Park Road, Perton, WV8 2HS

25/00591/LUE: Certificate of lawful existing use or development to confirm that the site has been used for storage purposes for a period of at least 10 years on land at Wolverhampton Airport, Crab Lane, Bobbington, DY7 5DY

25/00596/FULHH: Single storey side, two storey rear and side extension with external alterations to existing roof and window and boundary alteration at Jacol, Bell Road, Trysull, WV5 7JB

25/00572/FUL: Proposed single storey rear extension to provide enlarged kitchen and bar area, upgraded toilet facilities and enlargement of bar lounge by relocation of front wall under existing pitched roof at Brewood Cricket Club, Four Ashes Road, Brewood, ST19 9HX

25/00363/FUL: Change of use to establish a secure dog walking facility and erection of a shed for agricultural and maintenance purposes on land north east Of Dippons Lane, Perton

25/00358/FULHH: Open fronted two car width car port to sit adjacent to existing double garage at Oak View, Croft Lane, Gailey, ST19 5PY

25/00114/FUL: Erection of seven dwellings with associated parking, landscaping and access road on site between 12 and 14 Long Lane, Newtown

Lichfield District Council

25/00952/FUH: Extensions and loft conversion, including a single-story rear extension for an accessible living space at 129 Weston Road, Lichfield, WS13 7EQ

25/00955/FUH and 25/00956/LBC: Erection of a single storey side and rear extension with integral garden wall, re-construction of existing single storey rear extension and retention of entrance gates and wall at Highfields Farm, Clifton Lane, Tamworth, B79 0AQ

25/00950/SCREE: Screening Opinion: Proposed development of up to 270 houses, creation of a public open space and associated infrastructure on land at Sheepwash Farm, Fisherwick Road, Fisherwick, Whittington

25/00941/FUL: Section 73 application to permission of 20/00295/FUL (extension to existing garage block) to remove condition 2 to change the proposed roof shape and covering at Pipe Hill House, Walsall Road, Pipehill, Lichfield

25/00940/FUH: Ground floor rear extension at 1 Sandcroft, Fisherwick Road, Fisherwick, WS14 9JN

25/00936/FUH: Proposed alterations and extensions to include a number of single and two storey extensions to create second floor plan loft space, front projecting gable, new principal elevation and extended first floor space at 10 Hardwick Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3BU

25/00935/PND: Prior Notification: Change of use from two agricultural buildings to four dwelling houses within Use Class C3 at Lower Bangley Farm, Bangley Lane, Hints, Tamworth, B78 3ED

25/00934/FUL: Single storey rear extension, conversion of outbuilding to dwelling (ancillary to the operation), new smoking shelter and creation of beer garden at 55 Upper St John Street, Lichfield, WS14 9DT

25/00931/FUL: Division of existing ground floor former bank into two retail units of Use Class E(a)/E(b), with external alterations at former Barclays, 1 Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LG

25/00925/FUL: Erection of two two storey office buildings with associated parking, secure cycle and bin stores and landscaping, and the formation of a new access on land south of Kings Bromley Road, Alrewas

25/00914/FUH: New single storey rear extension and new front porch enclosure at 34 Coleshill Road, Fazeley, Tamworth, B78 3SA

25/00909/ADV: Installation of two handpainted signs to main pub building, one hanging sign to front elevation and timber amenity boards to front and side elevations at 55 Upper St John Street, Lichfield, WS14 9DT

25/00857/FUH: Erection of a single storey detached garage at Hanch Farm House, Lysways Lane, Hanch, Lichfield, WS13 8HH

25/00828/FUH: Install replacement PVCU windows in the front, side and rear of the property at 24 Park Road, Alrewas, DE13 7AG

25/00660/FUL: Erection of a single dwelling and associated parking and landscaping on land rear of 14 Cricket Lane, Lichfield

Tamworth Borough Council

0162/2025: Works to TPO 1 1969 T4 Oak at 137 Annex, Gillway Lane, Tamworth, B79 8PN

0161/2025: Single storey rear extension at 52 Sefton Road, Dosthill, Tamworth, B77 1PN

0160/2025: Two storey side extension with single storey side garage at 58 Parkfield Crescent, Two Gates, Tamworth, B77 1HB

0155/2025: Single storey rear extension at 35 Kempton Drive, Dosthill, Tamworth, B77 1QN