Residents have had their first opportunity to look at plans for a huge solar farm in North Staffordshire which is capable of generating enough electricity to power 8,000 homes.

RES, the world's largest renewable energy company, is looking at the possibility of constructing the massive solar farm on greenbelt land between Stallington and Saverley Green.

Several public right of ways run through the 84 hectares of land and RES is looking into the possibility of adding new permissive footpaths around the site to enable walkers to walk around the solar farm.

Following the public exhibition of the plans held at Fulford Village Hall residents had the chance to give feedback on the scheme.

Stallington resident Pete Foxely said he thought the scheme was well thought out. He commented: "I looked at the map and for me it looks like it has been very carefully put together.

"It doesn't affect the majority of Stallington residents and does not affect the majority of Fulford residents. So it is just a few private properties which it could affect. It's well thought out and it's the way to go for the next generation."

RES is also looking at adding new footpaths around the site to allow pedestrians to walk around the solar farm (RES).

The solar panels sit less than a metre off the ground and placed in rows. This allows for additional uses of the land such as sheep grazing. Additionally wildflower meadows will be planted to increase the biodiversity in the area.

Speaking after leaving the exhibition, Fulford resident Barry Eagles, who has lived in the area for 36 years said: "I know we've got to have development, we can't have what's happened in Russia with energy prices happening again but when it is on your doorstep it's not very nice at all.

Chairman of Fulford Parish Council, Peter Wilkinson said the scheme "will affect the entire parish" which includes Fulford, Stallington, Meir Heath, Rough Close and Blythe Bridge.

It is hoped that a full planning application will be made towards the end of the year once feedback from the public has been taken into account.

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