Belton Farm near Whitchurch is set to install 4,000 photo-voltaic panels to power the farm’s cheese-making operation, to reduce energy costs and meet the business’s commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2040.
“Due to soaring electricity costs, the business is looking to install a number of solar arrays to the south of Belton Farm buildings and has been sized to match the on-site energy demands of the business also reducing the carbon footprint of business,” said a report by Shropshire Council’s planning department.
A response from Historic England drew planners’ attention to the location of nearby Pan Castle, around 200 metres to the south-west of the development in fields also owned by the firm. The site is a scheduled monument comprising” well preserved” earthwork and buried remains of a motte and bailey castle.
A footpath which forms part of the popular “Belton Bracer” local walking route will also be diverted around the site, after advice from the Ramblers Association.