REVISED plans for a new solar farm in Beanacre have been submitted to Wiltshire Council.
The team behind the Wick Solar Farm – located between Westlands Lane to the south and Folly Lane to the north – have made a number of amendments to the site layout, including the removal of panels and alteration of maintenance tracks within central areas of the site to avoid “most archaeologically sensitive areas” identified following archaeological investigation; and the provision of additional trees along the southern site boundary. They have also addressed drainage concerns raised by Wiltshire Council drainage engineers.
The Wick Solar Farm proposes to build a 50-megawatt solar farm on approximately 200 acres of land at Wick Farm, Beanacre.
When plans for the solar farm were revealed last summer, concerns were raised by nearby residents of the site, including the impact on their view from their properties, its impact on local wildlife, and its impact on flooding in Westlands Lane.
Both of Melksham’s councils raised no objections to the plans. However, as part of their response to the planning application, Melksham Without Parish Council asked that the developers consider reducing the number of solar panels visible to residents on Westlands Lane; and ensure that there is a transport management plan in place to manage vehicles visiting the site during construction.
The parish council also backed concerns by Wiltshire Council’s archaeology team and their drainage engineer.
To comment on the planning application visit the Wiltshire Council planning website and search using the reference 20/06840/ FUL. The deadline for comments is Tuesday 23rd March. www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-applications-search
