A SOLAR energy company based in Munich is preparing the way for a major application for the Henley Hall Estate on the outskirts of Ludlow.

Kronos Solar want to build a 33 acre solar farm that would generate 5MW of electricity on the estate.

The managing director of the company Dr Alexander Arcache says that following a consultation in Bitterley, attended by 45 people, the size of the scheme has already been reduced by 40 per cent in response to local feedback.

A promise has also been made that the company is willing to hold a further public meeting.

Kronos Solar say that the intended site is low grade agricultural land that can continue to be used for seasonal sheep grazing.

They claim that the site does not contain any footpaths and because of being shielded by trees and landscaping would not have any impact upon the surrounding area including the nearby Area of Outstanding Natural beauty.

The site would not involve any flood lighting and would feed directly into a local sub-station with no need for pylons or any other infrastructure.

Kronos Solar have written to local councillors ahead of the planning application being validated and say that they are aware of the controversy that they know has surrounded other schemes in the areas.