04/06/2026
Development (or rather not) on the New Works solar farm adjacent to the Wrekin woodlands and the current solar farm at Steeraway being installed
This is a long post, with important information relating to the New Works Industrial Solar/BESS planning application TWC/2021/0737.
As we know, Steeraway wasn't the only Industrial solar site approved on appeal, in the protected Wrekin Strategic Landscape.
A second adjacent site was agreed at New Works, covering the area with solar panels and a Battery Energy Storage System.
On 29/3/26 I wrote to T&W Planning stating that the New Works site was approved on appeal on 27/3/23, with a planning condition that development must start within 3 years, yet no construction had begun.
The initial reply received told me that the New Works application I referred to was actually the Steeraway site, where work had begun!
On 31/3/26 I wrote back clarifying that Steeraway and New Works were two separate planning sites with different landowners and developers.
I was the advised that my query would be passed to the Enforcement Team.
A further email was then received in which I was asked for clarification as to whether I had witnessed any construction work at New Works - I replied, repeating the fact that no work had been carried out within the 3 year planning condition timescale which had now been exceeded.
On 1/4/26 the council emailed advising that they were 'actively looking into this'
I requested an update on 8/4/26.
On 9/4/26 I received an email advising that a site visit had taken place and that the LPA had contacted the developer requesting details of any works carried out.
A further update was received on 15/4/26 stating that the developer had been on holiday.
On 22/4/26, after chasing again, I was advised that the LPA had considered my query. They said 'it has been indicated that mine remediation works were anticipated to be carried out in late 2025. Where such works lawfully commenced within the relevant time period this would constitute implementation of the permission and secure planning permission. As a result this is not a matter the council can pursue at this time.'
I challenged this response, asking if the anticipated remediation works had actually taken place and what evidence they had for this. I also requested a copy of the document that allowed a delay in construction due to mine remediation works, as this was not included in the published, legally binding planning conditions for the site.
On 14/5/26 an email was received advising that the council was liaising with organisations outside the LA and that a meeting had been scheduled for 19/5/26.
I have chased the outcome of this meeting and await a reply....
Mark Pritchard MP Telford & Wrekin Council Cllr Lee Carter - Arleston & College, Leader Telford & Wrekin Council Shropshire Star Shaun Davies MP for Telford Wellington Town Council, Shropshire Little Wenlock Parish Council Lawley and Overdale Parish Council
