Deadline approaches for public views on Lime Down Solar Park in Wiltshire
We're being urged to have our say on the Lime Down Solar Park proposal
South Cotswolds MP, Roz Savage, is urging people to register to have their say on plans for a 2,000 acre solar farm in Wiltshire.
Plans for the Lime Down Solar Park are in the pre-examination phase, with the public able to share their views for objecting or supporting the scheme.
Developers Island Green Power say it will help power over 100,000 homes, while campaign group Stop Lime Down have protested about the scale of the project, its impact on the countryside and the flood risk it could bring.
The deadline for people to register to have their say is Friday 9th January, with Ms Savage encouraging people to take the opportunity to do so.
She said: "I know a lot of people really feel like this proposal is being done to the Wiltshire countryside and to the villages that surround the proposed site, and it's so important that we do make our voices heard."
We can register to have our say here.
Steps to share your views
Ms Savage, who herself has submitted her views before Christmas, explained that this submission process unlocks the next phase of the decision-making for the large-scale solar park.
“You do need to say if you’re objecting – make that absolutely crystal clear upfront,” she said.
Ms Savage's Liberal Democrat colleagues at Wiltshire Council have also made their submissions.
The MP highlighted that the deadline marks a cut-off point for involvement in the next stages of the planning process.
Individuals who don’t register their concerns or support before the end of Friday will not be part of any subsequent stages, including public hearings scheduled over the following six months.
Next steps in the approval process
Once the deadline for submissions closes, the examining authority will conduct hearings and gather additional evidence.
While the timeline isn't certain, this stage is expected to last six months.
Following this, a recommendation will be sent to the Secretary of State, currently Ed Miliband, who will have three months to review the recommendation.
“We would expect there to be a decision within a year from now,” Ms Savage said.
Local concerns about the solar park
Residents around the proposed site value the countryside’s peace and serenity, with many opposing the scale of the solar park’s development.
Ms Savage highlighted objections stemming from the potential disruption during construction, such as widened roads and an influx of large vehicles transporting equipment.
She also addressed mistrust of Island Green Power, a company owned by Macquarie, an Australian bank.
“Macquarie has made it very clear what business they’re in – the business of making money," she said. "It’s not the business of running utilities for the benefit of the British people and countryside."
She also cited concerns over food security, she added, “Britain is already importing about half of our food, and we don’t want to be taking productive agricultural land out of production.”
Finally, Ms Savage noted that despite opposition to the proposed development, many locals remain supportive of renewable energy but feel that smaller-scale projects, like rooftop solar panels, may be more suitable and beneficial.
Campaigning in Westminster
In addition to leading efforts locally, the Lib Dem MP has taken the matter to Westminster, where she has hosted a roundtable discussion to challenge whether solar parks of such scale are the best option for the UK.
She has sought meetings with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Energy Minister Michael Shanks but has so far been unable to secure appointments as ministers await a recommendation from the examining authority.
“This is not a done deal. There is still everything to fight for,” Ms Savage said, urging residents to continue speaking up on their concerns surrounding the project.
She said: “Don’t worry if you don’t have all the facts and figures. Speak from the heart. The inspectors want to hear about how this will impact you personally.”