Sir Gavin Williamson joined Drointon Conservation Group to discuss his commitment to protecting the local area from development proposals such as a recent planning application to build a 165 acre solar farm.
Sir Gavin congratulated the group on the recent success of their campaign to block planning proposals for a large solar farm on Drointon Lane in Stowe-by-Chartley. They discussed the importance of retaining the character of Stowe-by-Chartley and Sir Gavin agreed that the local environment should not be sacrificed in order to fulfil global environmental targets.
The group was successful in making their case to Stafford Borough Council planning committee, where they highlighted the impact that the proposed development would have on the character of the village and the mental health of residents. As a result, the planning application was unanimously rejected by the planning committee. The decision was met with a round of applause from residents who had filled the public gallery.
Sir Gavin said: βIt was great to meet with Drointon Conservation Group to discuss their campaign to block developers from using 165 acres of land for a solar farm. I was pleased to hear about the defeat of the proposals to build at Lower Farm as they were completely incompatible with the character of the area and would have caused considerable distress for residents.β