A FARMER and councillor from Clee Hill has spoken of the problems and conflicts facing people in rural areas when it comes to planning.

Richard Huffer is the Shropshire councillor for Clee Hill and is also a farmer.

He is dealing with a number of planning applications in the Greete area that falls within his ward.

Mr Huffer has spoken of some of the conflicts and issues that need to be considered with applications in rural areas like this.

Greete has been the subject of applications for solar farms and also an application for a war gaming site on agricultural land.

Mr Huffer says that it is important to try to establish a clear policy on these types of applications.

"I understand why people living is isolated and quiet rural areas are concerned," he said.

Mr Huffer said that has a farmer he also understands the problems being faced by people working in agriculture.

"It is tough for farmers, especially after Brexit and like everyone else they need to be able to make a living."

He said that one of the ways to do that was diversification in order to generate new forms of income but this can cause problems for people in quiet rural areas.

With regards to solar farms, some people find them unsightly and damaging to the tourist potential in an area noted for its beauty and in which hospitality and tourism play a big part in the economy.

"We know that there is an energy crisis and that solar power is one of the ways of generating electricity without the damage that comes from burning fossil fuels but getting the sites right is important."

However, he believes the need to feed the nation should also be considered.

"Is using agricultural land for solar a good idea when there is a need for food security?"