IG Renewables
Barlaston Solar Farm
New renewable energy futures for Stafford Borough
Introducing Barlaston Solar Farm
IG Renewables is bringing forward a proposal for a new development on land south of Beechcliffe Lane, Tittensor, Stoke-On-Trent ST12 9HJ. The proposal is for a 44 MW solar PV array. The proposed development will be an important component of local renewable energy infrastructure, contributing positively to the security of energy supply within Stafford Borough.
Why do we need Solar Farms?
Given the current cost of living crisis, which includes soaring energy prices and concerns around energy security, it is more vital than ever to provide locally sourced, clean and reliable energy production.
Solar power is the lowest cost and quickest to deploy of all energy sources. It is currently approximately one-ninth the cost of gas and less than one-third of the cost of nuclear. Solar power is a core part of the Government’s net zero target, and it intends to more than triple solar power capacity by 2030. Achieving this objective requires the deployment of large-scale solar farms as well as on the rooftops of industrial and residential buildings. This proposal will support Stafford Borough Council to reach their climate targets by contributing to the urgent need for green energy production.
IG Renewables is committed to engaging with the community throughout the planning process, to allow us to fully consider the feedback received from those that know the area best. We will soon be sharing further details about upcoming engagement and how residents and wider stakeholders can have their say on our proposals.
Site boundary
The map below shows the site boundary of the proposed development. Note that this covers the whole area of development (including all offsetting and biodiversity enhancements) and not just the siting of the panels. You can click on the image to enlarge it.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening opinion process
IG Renewables recently submitted its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening opinion request to Stafford Borough Council.
The EIA screening process is a standard preliminary step where an Applicant asks a local planning authority to determine whether a proposed development will have a significant environmental impact and, therefore, requires a full Environmental Impact Assessment. This is in addition to preliminary ecological surveys which we have undertaken that will help assess and determine appropriate measures to enhance and mitigate any potential environmental impacts.
You can view the EIA screening opinion request online here (reference number: 25/41251/ESS).
We are currently awaiting the results of our EIA screening opinion request and will notify our key stakeholders and provide updates when we are able to do so.
IG Renewables is committed to being an effective steward of the land and in doing so will closely adhere to the planning guidelines and processes set out by Stafford Borough Council as the local planning authority.
Engagement
We will be engaging with the local community and wider stakeholders prior to the submission of our planning application. Any feedback we receive during this period will help influence our final design, submitted as part of our planning application.
Next Steps
Pre-Planning Design and Preparation
Autumn/Winter 2025
Community Engagement
Spring 2026
Finalisation of Project Design
Spring/Summer 2026
Planning application submitted
Summer 2026