Plans have been put forth to transform a 90-hectare parcel of land in Solihull into a large-scale solar farm, with additional battery storage facilities, by the energy company Total Energies. This proposed site, located at Woodhouse Farm in the village of Catherine De Barnes, is strategically situated just south of Birmingham Airport and northeast of Solihull’s town center.
The project is designed to be segmented into three distinct sections: the first two sections will host rows of solar panels generating renewable energy, while the third section will be dedicated to battery storage systems to ensure energy is stored efficiently for usage at a later time. This ambitious solar farm and its associated battery units are intended to operate over a 40-year timeline, significantly aiding in the electricity needs of Solihull Council and aiding the transition towards a low carbon economy.
Total Energies has stated that this development could greatly enhance the use of renewable energy sources within the region. The company argues that the land in question should be classified as grey belt—an area of lower quality green belt land that is considered suitable for development. Should this classification not be recognized, the applicant believes that “very special circumstances” exist that would justify the project over any potential environmental concerns.
The proposal was submitted to Solihull Council in July, and the council has initiated a public consultation process to gauge community input. Interested parties have until August 26 to provide their feedback on the project. Total Energies is optimistic, asserting that there are no significant environmental or planning hurdles that would oppose the approval of this application, thus recommending a swift approval process.
As the community weighs in on this initiative, the prospect of a sustainable energy future looms on the horizon for Solihull.
