VILLAGE residents have set up a working party to oppose the most recent bid to build a solar farm near Broughton Gifford.
The group was set up following the recent announcement that British Solar Renewables plan to erect solar arrays on a 40-acre piece of land to the east of the village.
Local man and campaigner Martin Freeman said, “We set up the party in response to overwhelming opposition within the village. British Solar Renewables (BSR) held an exhibition to show their plans and we took an exit poll which showed 101 people against the development, against 1 in favour.
“The parish council then held a public meeting to allow the community to express its views. There were about 90 people there with everyone voting against the application apart from one, who abstained.
“The group consists of villagers and parish council members working together to help the community express its opposition most effectively. We will keep the village informed about the application and let people know how and where they can object.
“We want to ensure that Wiltshire Council understands how bad this proposal is and rejects it.”
The village is no stranger to applications of this kind, and it has seen a number made in the area – and two accepted – in recent years. Residents were concerned that this application had been rushed through without public consultation, to try and make the most of changing subsidy laws.
There is ongoing concern that the farmland around the rural village is not the right place for industrial development.
Martin continued, “Two of the key issues are the cumulative impact and the change in the character of the landscape.
“We believe that if this farm is built, the area of solar farms around Broughton Gifford will exceed the area of the village itself. Some people will be able to see three solar farms from their houses. People are fed up about being surrounded by industrial machinery and think that enough is enough.
“We should stress that we do not oppose solar power and understand the need for alternative energy, we just don’t think that the countryside is the right place for solar arrays. We support Government policy of putting them in brownfield settings.”
Since British Solar Renewables held their exhibition at Broughton Gifford Village Hall last month, they have informed the parish council that they are investigation concerns about noise and flooding raised by local residents.
To keep up to date with the group and the application, visit www.broughtongiffordparishcouncil.org.uk
