Campaigners against the development of a 287-acre solar power station in the Worcestershire countryside have released a set of computer-generated imagery (CGI) that reveals the potential impact of the development on their community.
The Roundhill Wood Solar Farm Opposition Group (RWSF) are against the proposals along with around 3,500 others who have sent letters of objection, claiming they would negatively affect wildlife and lead to an influx of traffic to the area.
RWSF commissioned Chris McDonald, who has 15 years’ experience in producing CGI's, has modelled the panels to the same specification as the ones JBM Solar plans to supply, at the same heights and in the same locations proposed in the planning application.
Phil Coathup, from the RWSF opposition group said:
"These images are a wake-up call for our community and decision-makers. They clearly demonstrate the immense impact that a solar power station of this scale would have on our cherished rural landscape.
“The picturesque landscape, which inspired Tolkien’s The Hobbit, currently characterised by rolling hills, scenic vistas and an abundance of natural beauty, would be lost forever should the plans be approved.
“We believe these images show the reality facing our community and we hope by sharing them it will mean those who will be making the decision are more aware of the potential consequences."
The release of the images follows a report by Wychavon District Council’s conservation officer who is recommending the scheme is refused due to the proposal’s negative impact on five listed buildings and the landscape of the area.
In her report the conservation officer said:
“Solar farms are needed. But it would be a bitter irony if, to help the global environment, we gave consent to the very type of industrialisation of our English countryside Tolkien wrote so compellingly about and which billions of people have engaged with and been moved by.
“There must be a balance always between progress and protection of what is special in our landscape. This area is part of our cultural heritage and not just another piece agricultural land that can be lost.”
Last month RWSF formally submitted its objection to Wychavon District Council and Redditch Borough Council with Stock & Bradley, Feckenham, Kington & Dormston and Inkberrow parish councils also united in their opposition to the huge development.