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steerAway
SOLAR FARM


Update, 21 January 2021
We have noted the concerns of residents over the proposal to create a public footpath onto Hamilton Hill, particularly the potential for it to cause property damage and the risk it would pose to grazing animals on the hill. This was only a proposal for discussion and we have decided not to include this within the application.

RE Projects Development Ltd. (REPD) are proposing to develop a solar farm on land at Steerway Farm, Steeraway, Limekiln Lane, Wellington, Telford, TF1 2JU. The site lies to the south of the M54 and east of Dawley Road, close to the Wrekin. The proposed development will have an approximate capacity of around 30MW that will be exported to the local power grid, which equates to powering in excess of 11,000 homes a year. This will make a vital contribution to climate change targets and the country’s transition away from fossil fuels.
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30MW proposed export capacity
>11,000 homes powered per year
>7,000 tonnes of CO2 saved per year

The solar farm will be connected to a nearby electricity substation via an underground connection. The site is currently mixed use both arable and grazing. None of this agricultural land will be lost. Sheep can continue to graze under and around the solar panels during operation, providing a dual benefit of agriculture and energy generation. The reduction in intensive agriculture and chemical fertilisers during the operational phase will naturally improve the quality of the soils, leaving them in a better condition at the end of the life of the solar farm.

REPD take sustainability very seriously. The size of the site presents significant opportunities for biodiversity improvements, including creating new habitat for birds, butterflies and insects. It will not be necessary to remove any trees or significant amounts of hedgerow. These measures will significantly improve the biodiversity of the site compared with the existing fields.

Engaging with communities is very important to us. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how we could improve it.

Area to be managed to encourage nesting birds, reptiles, butterflies and bees

Area to be managed to encourage nesting birds, reptiles, butterflies and bees

join our q&a events

We are holding Q&A consultation events for residents to take part and find out more. The best way to watch, take part and ask questions is to register. By registering for the event you are most likely to attend, you will receive updates about that event, but the registration is valid for all events.

7th September at 1pm

7th September at 7pm

The proposed scheme will contribute to the county’s growing need for clean electricity generation.

In recent years, solar power has become more cost effective, and it can now be constructed and operated without government subsidies. It will make a vital contribution to achieving the Government’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions over the next 30 years.

The site will be screened from residential properties by existing trees and the elevated M54 motorway. Mature trees will screen views from The Wrekin, Shropshire Hills AONB and public footpaths.

Solar farms typically take up a small proportion of the land they occupy, leaving huge scope for biodiversity enhancements. Research has shown that solar farms can play an important role in reducing the decline in biodiversity. The proposed management plan will prioritise broad leaved plants, grasses and other vegetation that encourage butterflies, bumblebees and birds to flourish.

A Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment, using Natural England’s calculator, has demonstrated that the development will dramatically increase biodiversity compared with the existing site (habitats by approximately 97% and hedgerows by 55%). REPD are committed to using local suppliers during construction and operation, which will benefit the local economy.

Continued grazing of sheep around and under the solar panels throughout operation means the development will provide the dual benefit of agriculture and energy generation.

Steeraway Solar Farm will be developed by REPD; an experienced low carbon energy developer.

We offer customised solutions for solar, flexible generation and battery storage ranging from initial site feasibility and project development to procuring EPC, project finance and asset management.
RE Projects Development Ltd successfully developed over 200MWs of renewable and low carbon energy projects throughout the UK. Renewable and low carbon energy generation is at the heart of our Company's ethos. We strive to combat climate change and air pollution. We aim to deliver over 400MWs of subsidy free renewable energy projects in the UK.

The following photomontages show the proposed development from Limekiln Lane looking west towards the Wrekin and Ercall, the public footpath on the edge of Limekiln Wood looking north, and Dawley Road/M54 bridge looking west towards the Ercall and Wrekin. All are presented as year 1 images with no mature screening.

The Development

Over the past decade, solar farms have become a common feature of the British landscape with thousands in operation around the country.

Solar farms use photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate energy from daylight and distribute it through the existing electricity grid to homes and businesses in the local area and nationwide.

The site at Steeraway is located away from the settlements of Ercall and Arleston. The height of the entire development is expected to be no more than 3m and development will be positioned within existing fields so that hedges and trees will not need to be removed. Solar farms make very little noise in operation and will not be audible outside of the development itself.

At the end of its 40 year operational life, the equipment will be removed and the entire site will be restored. The computer-generated images below illustrate what it will look like from viewpoints around the site.

Traffic

Once operational, solar farms generate almost no traffic. Visits for maintenance are required every few months. The construction process is rapid, lasting only a few months. Access and construction will be taken from Dawley Road so that no vehicles will use Limekiln Lane or pass through residential areas. Construction noise will be kept to a minimum, with operations restricted to normal working hours.

download the traffic routes

Planning Application Documents

REPD have commissioned a comprehensive set of surveys to help determine both the site area and layout, so that any impacts on residents can be minimised whilst also identifying opportunities to enhance the proposal. These will be presented in an Environmental Statement to accompany the application.

REPD will use your feedback to finalise the proposals before submitting the application to Telford and Wrekin Council. They will undertake further public consultation before determining the application. The Council has 13 weeks to make its decision.

download the site plan
1

Landscape and visual impact assessment – this has helped determine the maximum height of the development, the position of equipment, and to assess the effect of the development on the surrounding area, including The Wrekin and Shropshire Hills AONB.

2

Arboricultural survey – this has identified important trees around the site and will be used to ensure that they are protected.

3

Heritage and archaeology assessment – these have considered listed buildings and scheduled monuments in the area. A geophysical survey has been undertaken to help assess the potential for archaeological features below the ground.

4

Flood risk assessment and surface water management survey – the site is located within Flood Zone 1, which is the lowest level of flooding, however, the assessment has considered any residual risk to the site and wider area. The solar farm will not increase the risk of flooding on roads or properties in the area.

5

Analysis of agricultural land grade – no agricultural land will be lost. The site is currently used for agriculture and this can continue around and under the solar panels throughout its operation.

6

Construction traffic assessment and management plan - this has confirmed the most suitable access and route for construction traffic in order to avoid nearby villages.