Residents are divided over a proposed solar farm near Cotes Heath. While some support renewable energy, others worry about its impact on the local community and environment.
Cotes Heath: There’s a lot of buzz about a new solar farm. Ampyr Solar Europe wants to set it up near the village, and not everyone is on board with the idea.
The proposed site is pretty big, about 24 hectares, right next to the A519 Newcastle Road. If approved, it could generate enough energy for around 7,400 homes each year.
They plan to submit the application to Stafford Borough Council soon. A public consultation is happening now, and folks can share their thoughts until February 11.
Recently, Ampyr Solar held an exhibition in the village. People could check out the plans and ask questions. Scott Johnson from Ampyr mentioned that turnout was better than at other solar consultations.
He noted that opinions are mixed. Some locals are excited, while others are firmly against it. A few are okay with solar energy but not in their backyard.
Ampyr is keen on making this project a good neighbor. They want to leave a positive mark on the area and are looking to work with the community.
They also plan to boost biodiversity by planting wildflowers and even allowing sheep to graze under the panels, which sounds pretty cool.
One supporter said they need more power but worried about the quality of the land. Others raised concerns about traffic and the village’s vibe.
One villager took to the streets with a sign saying “No! No! No!” to protest the plans. She expressed her love for the countryside and her worries about the project.
Another local suggested using brownfield sites instead of agricultural land. They feel the solar panels should go on rooftops instead.
For more details on the proposal, check out their website.
