Plans to build a large solar farm on green belt land near a Solihull village have been submitted to the council.
Energy company Total Energies has applied to develop a 90-hectare site at Woodhouse Farm, in Catherine De Barnes, to host solar panels and battery storage units.
The land is located just south of Birmingham Airport and northeast of Solihull town centre.
According to the planning application, submitted in July, the site would be divided into three sections, with solar panels installed across each and battery storage units in the final third. The project is proposed to operate for a period of 40 years, after which, the applicant says, the land would be returned to its original agricultural use.
A design and access statement included with the application said the development would contribute to Solihull Council’s electricity supply and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Total Energies has argued that the land should be considered ‘grey belt’ – a term they use to describe lower quality green belt land that may be more suitable for development. However, if the site is deemed to be protected green belt, the company claims there are “very special circumstances” that justify approval.
Credit: Total Energies – RSK ADAS / Solihull Council
The application also includes proposals for associated infrastructure, including access roads, cables, and a biodiversity enhancement area.
In a statement, the company said:
“There are no significant environmental or planning constraints that would warrant the refusal of this application, and as such it is recommended the application is approved without delay.”
However, some local residents have already expressed concern. Solihull resident Jonathan Hill told the Solihull Observer:
“I support renewable energy in principle, but this is a huge development on green belt land. Once it’s built on, what’s to stop more of the countryside being lost? It’s a slippery slope. It will undoubtedly lower the value of homes in the area. Why are we only hearing about it now?”
Another resident, who lives within walking distance of the proposed site but did not want to be named, added:
“Are they seriously suggesting they’ll return the land to agriculture in 40 years? Who are they trying to kid? This is just more countryside gone for good. I personally think these solar panels are ugly and pointless. My brother lives in Wales and a whole field of panels near him was destroyed in a storm last year.”
“Ask anyone around here and I bet they’d say they don’t want a solar panel monstrosity on their doorstep. I enjoy walking my dog through this area, and I certainly don’t want to be looking at that. We need to protect our countryside. Why not put them on buildings or car parks in the towns instead?”
A public consultation is now underway, with a closing date for submissions of August 26.
To view the plans or submit a comment, search for application PL/2025/01404/PPFL at:
https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications
