Residents and councillors clash with developer over Penkridge solar farm access plans

Residents and community leaders fear a badger sett and hedgerow could be under threat as part of action to create an access route for a new solar farm in South Staffordshire.

Aura Power secured planning permission for the solar farm development on land around Preston Hill Farm, near Penkridge in early 2024.

The Bristol-based developer is now seeking consent from the district council to vary a number of conditions relating to the planning permission, as well as formalising site access details with Staffordshire County Council. These include creation of visibility splays.

But residents are objecting to potential removal of hedgerow as part of the creation of the new splays and access. They also told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that in August a badger sett was found meshed over and filled in.

Aura Power has said the sett was inactive and works carried out at the site did not require a licence from Natural England. Residents said evidence of badger activity was seen at the closed set again earlier this month however, and photos were sent to police.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.10pm on Monday 24 August to a field off Levedale Road in Penkridge following reports of wildlife crime. Workmen were reportedly digging up a badger set in the area and putting nets in at around 5pm on Wednesday 19 August.

“Officers contacted the local authority and Natural England, as well as the company reportedly involved. It was confirmed that the company had observed the setts for a period of time prior to the work, and they were deemed to be inactive before nets were placed in so as to prevent animals returning, in line with licence conditions.

“We continue to monitor the area alongside partners.”

A Natural England spokesperson said: “No badger licence has been issued for the site. Natural England has received a licence application for Preston Hill Solar Farm, Penkridge, but no decision has yet been made.”

Craig McCreath owns the meadow next to the proposed site access and nearby hedgerow. He said: “The hedge isn’t for sale.

“I expressly refuse permission for works upon my land or boundary features. Without my property being included the site entrance does not meet legal highways splay requirements, nor does it fulfil the planning conditions set out when the plans were approved.”

In a letter to South Staffordshire District Council, Aura Power said the physical works required to secure and maintain the updated visibility splays involve cutting back vegetation that sits entirely within the adopted public highway verge.

Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways said: “The latest information we have is that no private land is required for the approved visibility splays and works to be carried out are within the Highway boundary.

“We are looking at the minor works agreement with a view to signing it soon. As with any works on the public highway, the developer or contractor will still need to comply with the relevant requirements before starting works.”

Residents are also concerned about road safety on Levedale Road, where the proposed site access is, as there are already large vehicles using the rural roads and a busy dairy nearby.

Julian Salmon said: “We have seen that the splay to the west of the gate, heading towards the school, is now been reduced to 42 metres from the 120 metres as required by the planning permission granted. This is wholly unacceptable and definitely unsafe.

“This is a 40mph road carrying dozens of HGVs daily in both directions. The stopping distance of a HGV at 40 MPH is 81 metres, so how is that going to be able to stop if it comes around the blind bend to be met with either stationary cars or a HGV entering or leaving the site?

“There is no way this would be acceptable on any other development in the (district) or country as a whole. It’s now time to stop this ridiculous situation, they cannot achieve the required visibility splays in either direction.”

Local councillors have also raised concerns about the proposals, including loss of agricultural land. District councillor Andrew Adams said: “This needs to be signed off by the county council first, but the county council haven’t given approval on this because they can’t get visibility.”

County councillor Chris Large said: “My biggest fear of all of this is the value of agricultural land is nothing in comparison. But if you get on a train from here to Birmingham, there are thousands of acres of brownfield land that could be used.”

A spokesperson for Aura Power said: “We are committed to delivering our developments responsibly, transparently and in full compliance with all applicable legislation, planning requirements, consents and relevant statutory and best practice guidance.

“Planning permission for Preston Hill Solar Farm was granted in February 2024. We are currently awaiting approval of a Section 111 licence for the access works and determination of a Section 73 application seeking minor amendments to the approved scheme; we will ensure that the relevant approvals and consents are in place before undertaking any works for which they are required.

“We have repeatedly sought to engage constructively with local residents and address the concerns they have raised, including confirmation of any vegetation works solely taking place within land either under Aura Power’s control or under public highways control. While we respect the right of residents to express their views and raise legitimate concerns, we will robustly challenge inaccurate allegations and the obstruction of lawful site activities.

“We have previously issued a detailed response to allegations that an active badger sett was closed in August 2026. As set out in that response, extensive ecological monitoring and inspections were undertaken by qualified ecologists, who confirmed that the sett was inactive before any work commenced.

“Our position is that these works did not require a licence from Natural England on the basis of those findings, and we acted in line with guidance received from consultation with Natural England. We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and remain committed to following the applicable legal requirements and ecological guidance throughout construction.

“Solar energy has an important role in delivering a secure, affordable and low-carbon energy system. Preston Hill Solar Farm will provide clean, renewable energy generation alongside significant environmental enhancements, including new tree and hedgerow planting and species-rich wildflower habitats, calculated to deliver biodiversity net gains of more than 90%.

“In addition to the environmental benefits, Aura Power provides a voluntary community benefit fund of £20,000 per year, index-linked throughout the operational lifetime of the development, to support local community initiatives. We remain committed to delivering Preston Hill Solar Farm in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements whilst engaging constructively with the local community.”