Devoted Couple Devastated by Plans for Solar Farm Near Their Homes
A devoted couple who spent 15 years building six homes for their children have been left devastated by plans for a giant solar farm nearby. Stuart and Patricia Gresty built six homes for their kids – three of whom are severely disabled. They employ 11 carers to provide round-the-clock support for their disabled children and have spent the last 17 years building a new life for their family.
Moving to Anglesey near Rhosgoch in Wales from their native Derbyshire, Stuart and Patricia were seeking the peace and quiet their children desperately need. Now both aged 63, they were hoping to retire and enjoy their days in Rhosgoch, but their lives have been turned upside down by plans for two large solar farms on the island.
The bigger of the two proposed solar farms, Maen Hir, will encompass their mini complex of properties designed as respite facilities for their disabled children. Patricia expressed her distress, stating, “Talk of the solar farm has blighted our lives for the last six months. Every morning, as soon as we get up, we start thinking about it. Maybe Stuart and I could cope, but it’s going to devastate our children. They cannot deal with change and they still have no clue what’s going on.”
The two proposed solar developments will cover about 3,700 acres of mostly farmland in north Anglesey. The Maen Hir farm is approximately five times the size of the UK’s largest active solar farm, with the panels set to engulf the Gresty’s homes. Patricia highlighted the impact on their children, explaining how their freedoms will be destroyed, especially affecting their son who relies on the tranquillity of his garden to listen to the birds.
Stuart and Patricia’s children, ranging in age from 11 to 45 years, include three with profound learning difficulties. Faced with diminishing support services in Derbyshire, the couple made a significant sacrifice to move to Anglesey. Stuart spent two years alone renovating a farmhouse in Rhosgoch to kickstart the transition which took a total of 15 years to complete.
The couple’s hearts are broken at the thought of uprooting their family after investing so much effort into this move. Stuart expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s stressing us all. If we do have to move, there’s no way our homes will achieve market value if buyers know they’re going to be surrounded by solar panels.”
The proposed Maen Hir solar farm by Lightsource bp aims to power over 133,000 homes and assist the UK in reaching net zero targets. Despite public opposition and protests, the final decision lies with the UK Government. The Grestys and other residents have been left feeling overwhelmed and abandoned, unsure of their future if the solar farm goes ahead.
As they navigate this challenging situation, the couple continues to fight for their family and their homes, hoping for a resolution that will allow them to maintain the life they have worked so hard to build.