A number of changes have been made to the proposed plan for a new solar farm in Beanacre, in response to feedback from the public.
The team behind the Wick Solar Farm say that the revised plan will have ‘less impact on the local environment’.
Key changes made to the plan include; reducing the number of solar panels and the visibility of the solar panels in a number of areas, including those surrounding Daniel’s Wood, Westlands Lane, Catridge Farm, and Wick Farm; a pledge to investigate a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) design to help alleviate the impact of flooding on Westlands Lane and residents in Beanacre; and increased field buffers to protect and support local wildlife and local flora.
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.
Initially, concerns raised by residents included the impact on their view from their properties, its impact on local wildlife, and its impact on flooding in Westlands Lane.
Whilst the changes were noted at a Melksham Without Parish Council planning committee meeting last month, some residents in attendance raised concerns that due to Covid-19 and restrictions on public meetings, not all residents were aware of the plans and asked that more time be given for consultation.
At the meeting, Adam Withers from JBM Solar explained that they will continue to try and engage with the local community, and that the earliest date for a planning application submission is the second week of August.
A statement on the Wick Solar Farm website says, “We thank everyone who contributed to this stage in the process. We will continue to speak with the local community and welcome further engagement to help us further improve our designs. We will now be completing the remaining surveys required to accompany a potential planning application. Should we be in a position to proceed with an application, we will inform you as soon as we know.”
For more information about the revised plan, visit the website: www.wicksolarfarm.co.uk
