Controversial 200-acre solar farm plans given the go-ahead near Chippenham

A highly controversial 200-acre solar farm near Chippenham has been given planning permission.

The scheme for fields south east of Chippenham, at Forest Gate was approved by Wiltshire Council at a planning meeting on March 2.

Developer Eden Renewables say the scheme will produce enough electricity for almost 14,000 homes and will save around 20,000 tonnes of C02 a year.

There was a lot of debate around the decision with those against saying it would ruin the beauty of the landscape.

Those in support argued the planet’s beauty can only be truly protected if renewable energy is used to fight global warming.

Speaking against the proposal one local resident said: “A solar farm is an inappropriate development in this location and can only be described as industrial.

“This application will significantly adversely impact the character and appearance of the landscape.

“The expansive tranquil landscape with far-reaching views will turn into an industrial utility power grade complex.

“If this application did not have its so-called green credentials it would automatically be refused due to its industrialisation of farmland.

“The ongoing war in Ukraine and the subsequent food shortages here in the UK is undeniable proof that we cannot continue to sacrifice any farmland.”

She added it wouldn’t benefit the community as the small amount of energy produced will simply be fed into the national grid.

Founder of Eden Renewables Harry Lopes said: “The site is almost completely grade 3b not best or versatile land and the government policy is very clear that this is acceptable for solar development.

“Much of the site is wet, hard to farm productively mostly used for hay cutting and where it has been used for arable in the past requires high levels of expensive chemical inputs.

“The National Farmers’ Union supports the project.

“The site is not visible from the Derry Hill conservation area and while four grade II listed buildings are identified as having the lowest possible level of harm to their settings, one is buffered by the business park and the others are separated from the site by the busy A4 London Road.

“The government energy security strategy requires a fivefold increase in solar by 2035.

“The recent net-zero review by Conservative MP Chris Skidmore reiterates this target going even further calling for a solar revolution.

“Time is running out and we really need projects like Forest Gate to make some progress.”

Credit: Local Democracy Reporter Service/Jude Holden