Price when sold: 65p
OCTOBER 2022
LOSS OF LAND FEARS VOICED
Worries over whether solar farms are leading to the loss of good agricultural land have been aired by councillors in Shropshire.
And those worries have seen plans for a major solar farm project in the county being put on hold. Councillors deferred making a decision on the development after the managing director of the company which wants to build it said he would look at taking better grade agricultural land out of the scheme. Developer Bluefield wants to create a solar farm at Brick House Farm at Greete with a capacity of around 49.9 MW, generating enough renewable energy to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 15,000 homes. Bluefield says the Greete site was chosen for its seclusion, relatively poor soil quality and access to the National Grid. Addressing councillors’ worries that solar farms are taking up agricultural land, Bluefield managing director Jonathan Selwyn said sheep were grazed at 40 per cent of the firm’s 107 solar farms. At a Shropshire Council planning committee meeting, Councillor Claire Wild asked Mr Selwyn if he would consider taking the 18 to 21 per cent of the better, Grade 2 agricultural land out of the application. He said: “We would certainly consider it. I will check with the team and come back to you.” The committee agreed to defer a decision to allow Bluefield to look at the site again. Meanwhile, permission for a separate
BY IAIN ST JOHN
planning application for a smaller solar farm, also near Ludlow, was refused at the meeting. Councillors were told the site was on land to the east of Squirrel Lane, Ledwyche. Local residents who spoke at the meeting said the site was close to South Shropshire’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Agent for the developer, Ewan Hutchinson, said there was an international energy crisis and the UK had to look at more green energy. However, both Councillor Richard Huffer and Councillor Wild said there was no justification for encroaching on food security by taking arable land out out of production. Councillor Wild said there should be guidance drawn up on the quality of land that could be used for solar farms and said any decision taken at the meeting could set a precedent for future applications. The council’s own planning officers had actually recommended approval for both of the applications. A report from planning officer Grahame French said officers had no concerns about the Brick House Farm project’s visual impact on the landscape. And in respect of the Ledwyche plan, a report from Mr French rejected opponents’ claims the project would have a detrimental visual impact. He wrote: “This conclusion is not supported by officer inspection of the site and its environs or by the comments of the council’s landscape adviser.”
Delightful day of dairy!
The show ring was busy throughout UK Dairy Day in Telford
More than 8,000 visitors attended this year’s UK Dairy Day trade event in Telford, one of the sector’s most important showcases. The event at Telford International Centre provided an opportunity to network and do business for dairy farmers and businesses from across the UK. It also featured over 280 dairy specific trade stands across internal and external exhibition areas and showcased 160 dairy cattle in the multi-breed dairy show. UK Dairy Day hosted the annual Na-
tional Holstein, Ayrshire and Brown Swiss Shows along with classes for Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey and Jersey cattle. The show ring was kept busy from 9am on the day until the exciting finale of the Ayrshire and Holstein championships at the end of the day. Trade exhibitors included feed manufacturers, animal health suppliers, vets, milk buyers, dairy and farm equipment suppliers – plus professional service providers and charities. l Best – Page 28
Challenge laid down to graduates Graduates of Shropshire’s Harper Adams University have been challenged to make their mark on agriculture – at a time when the sector is going through the “biggest change in our lifetime”. The dedication and determination of students was marked at the university’s 2022 graduation ceremonies, with the events presided over by Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Lee. Reflecting on the efforts of students, Professor Lee said: “The award you have received is a mark of academic achievement and excellence from one of the world’s leading specialist agri-food universities. “The ceremony acknowledges your determination and dedication. You overcame any barriers standing in your way – perceived or actual – and demonstrated that you are more than worthy to join our global community of Harper graduates.” Guy Coggrave, managing director of GSC Grays chartered surveyors, told the graduates: “Agriculture and the rural sector is going through the biggest change I believe we will ever see in our lifetime, and you are all in the enviable position of just starting your careers and will have the opportunity to influence it.” Mr Coggrave – whose company employs a number of Harper Adams alumni – added: “My advice to you all is to approach your careers with energy, positivity and enthusiasm. Grasp the opportunities that present themselves.”
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