Plans for a solar farm in the Solihull village of Chadwick End have been submitted to Solihull Council, proposing to transform fields at Chadwick Barns on Sparrow Cock Lane into a renewable energy site.
The application, lodged by Adam and Fiona Hunter, seeks permission to install 45 ground-mounted solar PV arrays and battery storage systems on grassland, arranged in three rows of 15 panels. The scheme is designed for domestic renewable electricity generation, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on grid electricity.
Applicants stress minimal green belt impact
In a supporting statement, the applicants argue the development is low-rise, with a maximum height of 2.2 metres, and occupies a compact footprint of approximately 17 metres by 11 metres. They emphasize the structure is open-framed, does not create enclosed built form, and keeps the land predominantly open and green in character.
The statement adds: “The development is also reversible and temporary over its operational life.” It claims the solar farm does not encroach into the wider countryside beyond the defined installation area, nor contribute to urban sprawl or settlement coalescence, and does not introduce permanent built development in the conventional sense. “Accordingly, any harm to the openness of the green belt is limited and localised,” the applicants conclude.
Decision follows recent refusal near airport
The proposal comes shortly after Solihull planners refused permission for a larger solar farm off Catherine De Barnes Lane, a scheme backed by Birmingham Airport. That decision was reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The Chadwick End application is now under public consultation, with comments accepted until August 20. Residents can view the plans and submit feedback by searching for application PL/2026/01224/PPFL on Solihull Council’s planning portal.
Other planning applications in Solihull
Solihull Council is also considering a range of other applications, including a front porch extension and gates at South Winds, 54 The Crescent, Hampton In Arden; retrospective amendments to two-storey side extensions at 56 Hemlingford Road, Kingshurst; and a certificate of lawful development for a roof replacement and porch at 72 Grove Road, Knowle.
Further proposals include a single-storey rear extension at 3 The Crescent, Shirley; demolition and replacement of a dwelling at Jasmine Cottage, Truggist Lane, Berkswell; external works at The Arup Campus, Blythe Gate, Shirley; and a rear extension and dormer windows at Blind Hall Cottage, Blind Lane, Berkswell. A separate application at 80 Grove Road, Knowle, also references Blind Hall Cottage, though details remain pending.
The consultation on the Chadwick End solar farm remains open until August 20, with a final decision expected after planners review all submitted comments.
