Solar farm plan for net-zero bid village

A village's bid to be more sustainable could see the installation of hundreds of solar panels in an unused orchard.

In an attempt to become carbon net-zero, villagers in Crowle, in Worcestershire, created a community energy company last year.

Plans have now been unveiled to install 424 solar panels at Fircone Farm, capable of generating up to 249kW.

The proposals have been submitted to Wychavon District Council by Crowle Community Energy (CCE), a collaboration between Crowle Parish Council and energy management firm Savi.

In the planning application, the organisation said it would go on a one-acre (0.4 hectare) plot "that is currently a non-productive, immature apple orchard".

CCE said the location had been chosen "to ensure minimal disruption to active agricultural areas" and that mature apple trees would remain in place around the perimeter of the site.

It added that the orientation of the panels would be adjusted slightly from the standard model to minimise their visual impact.

Steve Bott, one of the founders of CCE, said the company was now registered as a Community Benefit Society - a business with a social purpose.

Energy will be sold to residents, and all profits will be reinvested back into the community.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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