Plans approved for new large scale solar farm at Minety
It's despite 200 residents signing a petition opposing the plans
Plans have been approved for a new large scale solar farm in north Wiltshire.
The controversial application was for full planning permission for the provision of a renewable energy scheme including provision for battery storage on land near Minety sub-station.
It was approved by Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee at a meeting on Wednesday (6th April 2022)
Applicants renewable energy company JBM Solar said the farm could provide enough energy for 15,000 homes and prevent more than 850,000 tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere.
JMB added that it would make “a major contribution towards Wiltshire’s net zero target”.
Council officers recommended approval after the developer reduced the scale of the solar farm by 20 per cent in response to feedback.
Both the solar and battery elements would have an operational lifespan of 40 years, and it was stated during the meeting that the technology is reversible.
The applicants say the scheme would also deliver a 33 per cent increase in biodiversity, with 60 new trees, 1km of new hedgerows, and six acres of butterfly meadow.
In addition, the scheme will provide permanent pasture for sheep grazing over a 40 year period.
It came to the strategic committee it was deemed to be a “large-scale major development which has wider implications and raises issues of more than local importance”.
Representations were received from 193 people; 113 supporting and 80 objecting to the proposed development.
Charlton Parish Council stated it had no objection subject to conditions, while Hankerton and Minety Parish Councils objected to the proposals.
200 people living in and around Minety signed a petition opposing the plans.
They cited concerns over safety, location, and damage caused to wildlife and the character of the area.
Those supporting it say it is necessary to hit climate targets, and that other sites were not available. Suggestions of putting solar panels of everyone’s roofs also not possible. Supporters also said that the UK needs to treble its solar energy by 2030.
Wiltshire Climate Alliance also fully supported the application.
It said: “It will result in significant net biodiversity gain through wildflower meadows across the site, tree and hedge planting, enhancing soil quality by leaving the land fallow, boosting carbon sequestration while allowing continued food production with grazing sheep. The developers have taken considerable steps to minimise the visual impact of the farm for local residents.”