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Search the Public Notice PortalA proposed solar farm could power more than 16,000 homes but has sparked backlash over its planned location on green belt land.
The Fraxinus Solar Farm, proposed by renewable energy investment company Qualitas Energy, would cover 14 fields near Swindon in South Staffordshire, a few miles west of Kingswinford.
Councillor Steve Massey, who represents Swindon and Himley, has launched a petition opposing the proposal and argues that green belt land is the wrong location for such a development.
Cllr Massey said: "It covers an absolutely huge area."
"The solar farm would be at the top of Camp Hill, and because of the elevation it's going to be visible for miles around."
He raised concerns about the consultation process, noting that residents in nearby Kinver and Enville had not been notified, even though the site crosses into their parish boundary.
Cllr Massey said: "I don't believe that people want to see such a monstrosity, as they are travelling through to the common."
While he acknowledged the need for renewable energy, he stressed that solar farms should not be placed in highly visible locations.
He said: "It's a green belt.
"It has not been reclassified as a grey belt."
He also questioned the business case for situating the solar farm in this location, arguing that no clear justification for the green belt location has been provided.
Cllr Massey warned that approving the development could jeopardise the livelihood of farmers who have worked the land for more than 30 years.
He expects an application to be submitted to South Staffordshire Council later in the year or in early next year, and hopes the council will recognise that the project is inappropriate for the green belt.
Qualitas Energy said the Fraxinus Solar Farm would supply enough clean energy to power 16,200 homes.
A spokesperson for the company said: "The Fraxinus Solar Farm project will contribute towards the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy and will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with local, national, and international targets, including the legally binding commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050."
The site would operate for around 40 years before being decommissioned and the solar infrastructure removed.
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