Around a thousand people have joined forces with a local residents’ campaign and written to top RWE executives in the UK and Germany asking them to withdraw the energy company’s plans for the 287-acre solar power station planned for Roundhill Wood.
The support comes as the Chair of the Roundhill Wood Solar Farm Opposition Group (RWSF), Phil Coathup wrote an open letter to RWE CEO Katja Wünschel and the UK country chair Tom Glover, directly pointing out why over 7800 have objected formally to the scheme.
The main reasons are that RWE would be destroying Tolkien’s last remaining literary landscape, a move that has united people across the UK, including politicians and academics, to oppose the scheme, and that the scheme is being proposed on productive agricultural land. It also points out that the application is being poorly managed and is not significant project for RWE as it represents a tiny percentage of the company’s solar pipeline nationwide.
Click here to see our objection letters
You can find the full planning application here
Wychavon Planning Portal - Solar Plant
This application sets a dangerous precedent for the local area. With such a close proximity to the Feckenham substation - Inkberrow and the surrounding villages will become a prime target for solar developers.
Home to 287 Acres of BMV agricultural land, currently producing a fantastic wheat crop. Recent global developments have demonstrated the need for the UK to become more self-sufficient in domestic crop production.
A bordering farm named 'Bag End' was owned by J.R.R Tolkien's Aunt. He stayed with her at the farm for a time and walked the local fields. It is widely accepted Tolkien based 'The Shire', from the award winning 'The Hobbit', on the local surroundings.
A vast spectrum of wildlife inhabit this site including protected species such as the Great Crested Newt and extremely rare Brown Hairstreak Butterfly - this is one of only three areas this Butterfly can be found.
This area has been known to flood. Run-off from solar panels, along with the compaction of the clay soil whilst constructing the development, could potentially damage nearby residences.
This industrial development will be a blight on the beautiful countryside landscape. Nearby businesses such as camp grounds, and holiday lets, will struggle to recover.