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 is not a temporary structure. It is known that companies get through planning saying it is temporary and then just renew after 20 years. After which time, the cost of returning to arable land is impossible. There is no weight to any claims that the development is temporary and can be reversed. It makes it very straight forward turning the site into a brown field site on which housing can then be built. In many cases, as soon as the panels are in place, the landowners sell their freehold which will bought by a pension fund and so the industrial solar complex will remain indefinitely.
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 involve articulated lorries, HGVs and vans transporting materials to site. The access routes from M4 Junction 17 and 18 are shown below in the document section. \Residents living nearby will be significantly impacted by the noise and vibration caused by the very large increase in HGV traffic during the construction phase. Additionally, a 25+ mile trench stretching from Sherston to Melksham will be incredibly disruptive for all around.
PFAS chemicals from the anti glare and anti dust coatings break down quickly and leach into the ground and water courses polluting, ruining habitats and turning the area into an industrial wasteland that will never be able to be returned to valuable agriculture land. The toxic materials used in making these panels is anything but green. At the end of the lease, who will pay to have them removed and what will happen to all that waste material? No hope to return the land to arable land after the lease.
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.
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.
Please email finances@stoplimedown.com if you would like the bank details for donations over £100 or click on the QR code or the link to pay by card or apple pay via SumUp. If you would like a receipt for your donation, please email u and advise the donation reference and amount so we can send you a receipt.