Tixall Solar Farm – Planning Application update

On 12 June 2024, the Planning Committee, at Stafford Borough Council, reviewed the above planning application, following a previous decision to request further information relating to flooding and screening.

SBC Cllr Frances Beatty attended the Committee Hearing and has updated the Parish Council with the following:

the application for a solar farm was approved last night after an hour and a half debate.  There were a lot of concerns.  Tom Follows spoke very well for Inglewood Investments.  If anybody wants to follow up, the recording will be going on to the SBC website, which can be found by using the following details:

https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/24-25-Committee-Meetings

We put up solid arguments.  The applicants’ evidence seemed shot with inaccuracies. Unfortunately, the Flood Authority had given the scheme a green light despite the severe flooding on the west side of the site.  Officers persuaded members not to opt for a further site visit to that badly affected part of the site, which they inconceivably hadn’t been taken to see; based on some pictures had taken.  

I hope the flood authority don’t live to rue their response, not least for the sake of those of you who risk being subjected to increased flood.

There are implications for the whole rural borough, with a plethora of these applications coming through the system, with no clear guidance.