Growing up in South Staffordshire, I've always cherished our verdant landscapes, rolling hills, and the serenity of our countryside. It's a place where families can thrive, nature flourishes, and communities come together. However, this harmony is under threat from the proposed Fraxinus Solar Farm at Greensforge. https://fraxinus-solar.co.uk/

The proposal entails a massive development that will disrupt our cherished Green Belt—a 60MW solar farm covering 440 acres of green belt land with ground-mounted solar panels, towering substations, and security infrastructure. This project threatens not just the natural beauty of our area but also the community's character and spirit.

While renewable energy is vital for our planet's future, it is imperative that such developments are appropriately sited. We cannot sacrifice irreplaceable green spaces and our rural heritage in the name of progress. There are alternative locations beyond Green Belt land that could house this facility without compromising our environment.

Moreover, studies reveal that large-scale solar farms can have significant impacts on local wildlife, including disruptions in habitats and changes in land use patterns. These environmental consequences, combined with the visual and audible impact on our treasured landscape, are unacceptable. We must balance our environmental responsibilities with preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of South Staffordshire.

We call upon South Staffordshire Council to uphold the integrity of the Green Belt and our rural community by refusing any planning applications for this solar farm if submitted. Let us stand together to save our countryside for future generations, ensuring it remains a place of peace, beauty, and community.

Please sign this petition to protect South Staffordshire from irreparable harm. Help us send a strong message to local authorities that our Green Belt is worth fighting for.

***Please note any donations will be paid to Change.org and not this campaign***