The very large size of the proposed development is totally inappropriate. It will be one of the largest in the nation. The visual impact of such a huge industrial solar farm would fundamentally change the tranquil character of the area. We consider solar farms should be appropriately located on already industrialised land, on roof tops or adjacent to motorways, not on productive agricultural land.
This development poses significant risks to our community for two generations, over a period of 60 years, until 2090.
Currently, there is no enforceable mechanism to ensure the developers remove the solar panels and infrastructure at the end of the project’s life. This raises serious concerns about who will bear the cost of decommissioning and restoring the land –potentially leaving the burden on local communities or taxpayers.
The proposed development won’t benefit the local community. The power generated by the solar panels will go straight to the national grid – this will not be a source of cheap electricity for people living in the vicinity of the solar farm. Residents living adjacent to the site will have a significant adverse visual impact from the site, loss of privacy, whilst there will also be a loss of the rural amenity of the extensive open views.
The area is currently enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, local residents, and those travelling from further afield. The solar farm development would turn a pleasant and rural area into an industrialised area protected by CCTV cameras and high fencing with warning signs, which are far from welcoming to those who currently benefit from the quiet and unspoilt public access pathway and bridleways.
The construction stage will last up to two years and will bring more than 20,000 articulated lorries, HGVs and vans transporting materials to site creating noise and pollution, and endangering pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. Additionally, a 25+ mile trench stretching from Sherston to Melksham will be incredibly disruptive for all around.
The loss of permeable farmland will increase flood risks to nearby villages, while chemicals and leaks from infrastructure threaten to contaminate drinking water supplies.
The solar park would significantly adversely impact the character and appearance of the landscape. The expansive tranquil landscape of open green fields with far reaching views would turn into a semi-industrial, utility-grade power complex, with fields of 4.5m high dark solar panels, shipping containers containing electrical equipment and security fencing.
The Battery Energy Storage System introduces the danger of toxic gas emissions and fires, which are notoriously difficult to extinguish.
Such incidents have already caused multiday evacuations elsewhere.
The farmland planned for development could potentially produce 12 million loaves of bread or 10 million litres of milk annually. Losing such land will worsen our reliance on imports at a time when resilience is critical
Historic sites including the Fosse Way and Wessex Way, and footpaths
and bridleways used and loved by pedestrians, riders and cyclists, will be overshadowed by this industrial sprawl, risking irreparable damage to ancient landscapes and archaeological treasures.
Wildlife habitats will be destroyed, and shading under the panels will degrade vegetation, impacting grazing and local ecosystems.
To stand the best chance of defeating Island Green Power / Macquarie’s plans for Lime Down Solar industrial park, we will require the expertise of specialists to identify and submit the relevant legal and material planning considerations during the Examination phase with the Planning Inspectorate.
All those working on the committee are providing their time and expertise pro bono. After budgeting and mapping out the next phases of due process - it is clear we need to raise significant funds to ensure this process happens effectively.
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