A PROPOSED new solar farm in Beanacre has been welcomed by Melksham’s two councils – but concerns have been raised about its potential impact on neighbouring residents and the risk of ‘glare’ from the panels.
The Wick Solar Farm proposes to build a 50 megawatt solar farm on approximately 200 acres of land at Wick Farm, Beanacre – between Westlands Lane to the south and Folly Lane to the north.
The plans are currently undergoing a public consultation before a planning application is made.
At a Melksham Without Parish Council planning committee meeting last month, a Beanacre resident raised a number of concerns including the impact on their view from their rear garden, its impact on local wildlife, and its impact on flooding in Westlands Lane.
Whilst noting the renewable energy benefits solar farms can bring, parish councillors took the concerns on board and resolved to respond to the consultation as follows, “Whilst broadly welcoming these types of renewable energy developments, the parish council asked for amelioration against the impact of this application on Westlands Lane, particularly regarding visual amenity and the impact on flooding in the area and the need for appropriate drainage. They also sought amelioration against the visual impact this would have for the wider community and the impact on local wildlife.”
Discussing the proposal last month at a Melksham Town Council economic development and planning committee meeting, councillors unanimously resolved to support the application, but also resolved to request that a glint and glare assessment be carried out.
The town council reports, “Cllr Adrienne Westbrook had inspected the actual proposed site for the solar farm. She confirmed that the site was very large and was concerned that the hillside element may glint on the railway line. She noted that a glint and glare assessment did not appear to have been prepared.
“The town mayor, cllr Jon Hubbard welcomed the development in view of its contribution to renewable energy.”
The deadline for comments on the consultation has been extended beyond the initial deadline of 12th June for at least another month to allow further feedback on the proposals.
For more information, visit the website: www.wicksolarfarm.co.uk
