'Very special circumstances' mean giant solar farm will be built in green belt just outside Wolverhampton, despite objections
A giant solar farm capable of supplying electricity to 13,000 homes is set to be built on 143 acres of greenbelt farmland just outside Wolverhampton.
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'Temporary' planning permission has been granted which will allow the solar farm to remain in place for 40 years.
The proposal sparked strong objections from Brewood and Coven Parish Council.
But energy company Anesco convinced South Staffordshire planners that there were 'very special' reasons for allowing it to go ahead.
The site covers four separate fields around Lawn Lane in Coven, close to the Three Hammers Golf Club. The site is about a mile north of Pendeford and close to the junction with the M54 and the River Penk to the west.
It is the second major solar farm in the area to be granted permission in recent weeks. Last month, South Staffordshire Council approved plans for a 77-acre solar farm at Four Ashes.
A statement issued on behalf of Anesco revealed that the company was advised by the council last year that under normal circumstances the development would be considered inappropriate in the green belt. The applicant was told it would need to demonstrate 'very special circumstances' for the scheme to be given permission.
