Proposals to establish a substantial solar farm in a Solihull village have been lodged with the local authority.
Total Energies wants to develop the solar farm alongside battery storage facilities across approximately 90 hectares at Woodhouse Farm in Catherine De Barnes.
The site, situated off Catherine De Barnes Lane, lies south of Birmingham Airport and northeast of Solihull town centre.
The development would be divided into three sections across the land, with solar panels positioned in each area and storage units located in the final third.
The applicant envisages the farm and battery storage facilities operating for a 40-year period.
A design and access statement accompanying the application noted: "It will be decommissioned following the operational lifespan of the proposal and the site will be reverted to its original agricultural purpose.
"The proposed development is estimated to contribute towards Solihull Council's electricity requirements and provide a significant contribution to promoting renewable energy use and moving to a low carbon economy."
The applicant argued the land should be classified as grey belt – inferior quality green belt land appropriate for development – but acknowledged that if not, "very special circumstances" exist which outweigh any potential harm.
The application, lodged with Solihull Council in July, also encompasses associated works, equipment, necessary infrastructure and biodiversity enhancement areas. The applicant further states: "There are no significant environmental or planning constraints that would warrant the refusal of this application, and as such it is recommended the application is approved without delay."
A consultation process has now been initiated, with a deadline for submissions set for 26 August.
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