Latest news

  • Help maintain our highways. Want to report an issue on the roads- potholes, damaged signs etc? Report it here

  • Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has launched a short consultation to give you an opportunity to have your say on the Government’s proposals to create 12 ‘mega police forces’. As this could be the biggest shake up to policing in six decades, the PCC wants to make sure you can share your views on this change. He will share the public response directly with the Government to consider in their review. The consultation closes on Monday 15th June. Have your say by visiting the West Mercia PCC website – www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk
  • North Warwickshire Citizens Advice  share information about our free services that may benefit residents in the parish.They offer free, confidential, and impartial advice on a range of issues, including benefits, debt, housing, employment, energy, and other queries.They have  drop-in sessions at our office at The Parish Rooms, Welcome St, Atherstone CV9 1DU, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: 10am – 2pm

         They also offer remote sessions over the phone on all weekdays 10am – 2pm. They also have our Mobile Advice Centre (MAC) funded by Cadent,                offering advice on a range of issues, including Benefits, Debt, Housing, Employment, Cost of Living and Energy concerns and help with Disability               Forms – DLA, PIP and AA.

          Website: NWCAB.org.uk

  • Operation Plenty is to support vulnerable members of our community, particularly those who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation. Officers will be making informal visits to offer a friendly chat over a cup of tea, check on their wellbeing, and provide safety advice or essential supplies where needed. We recognise that rural areas can present additional challenges for those with limited mobility, and this initiative helps us identify and reach those who may benefit from a visit.
  • Are you struggling with managing your heating bills? HEAT (Home Energy Advice Team) provides 1-1 mentoring support and advocacy to vulnerable households in England and Wales.  This team of Energy Mentors provide a holistic, independent, tailored advice to fuel-poor households experiencing energy crises. They provide ongoing support throughout the process, helping customers understand their options and make informed decisions.
  • Residents questionnaire – The Parochial Church Council is seeking feedback about St Mary’s Church in Astley. In order to attract funding, they need residents and visitors to let them know what is important to them. Please could you complete this survey?
  • If worry and anxiety are affecting you, Wellbeing for Warwickshire is here to help.

Astley Gorse Solar Farm

The planning application for the Astley Gorse extension has been submitted to NWBC.

The developers (Greenvolt Power UK) have submitted additional information to the council which was published on the planning portal on Friday 14th February 2025, covering ecology, flood risk and general cumulative impacts. You can access the application here, comment if you wish.

The planning reference for this application is PAP2024/0577.

Sole End Solar Farm

Construction for the  Sole End Solar Farm started in spring of 2025. Any specific updates will be posted here.

If you wish to receive further updates, please subscribe to the mailing list here

For context, following the meeting held on Thursday 25th May 2023 at 7.00 – 7.30pm in The Reading Room, a list of objections were sent to North Warwickshire Borough Council with regards to PAP/2022/0544 Sole End Solar Farm Astley Parish Council objections to Sole End Solar Farm.

After some debate at the Planning & Development board held on 12th June 2023, this application was was approved

There are some concessions which include:

  1. close consultation with us/villagers who will be impacted by the build
  2. properly turning the land back over to agricultural land / green belt either at the end of the sites life or 40 years, whichever is soonest.
  3. provision of a Community fund for the village paid annually for the life of the solar farm.

The planners will be seeking further consultation with local residents most impacted by this build, and will be co-ordinating via Astley Parish Council. If you have any queries, please contact the Clerk, Helen Billington.