CAMPAIGNERS in Seend have come together to express their concern at the number of solar farms being planned within a short distance of the village.
Already plans have been submitted for a 79-acre solar farm site in the village of Poulshot which neighbours Seend, whilst a consultation is under way into a 165-acre site planned to the east of Melksham on Sandridge Hill.
Further to this, other locations have been earmarked to become solar sites at Broughton Gifford, Coulston, Marston and at Craymarsh Farm in Seend itself. These plans have led for campaigners to create a group with the message ‘Wake up Wiltshire’ as they feel the area nearby to Seend is being unfairly targeted as Wiltshire Council aims to have 30 percent of energy used in the county generated by renewable source a reality by 2020.
The campaign group say this equates to 367MW of energy of which can be generated by approximately 2,000 acres of land. They say that if the plans to build solar farms near Seend all come to fruition, this will total 472 acres of solar farms, or approximately 25% of the council’s target – all within five miles of Seend.
Campaigners came together at Lye Field in Seend recently to unveil two “Wake up Wiltshire” signs. Organiser Jack Churchill said, “I am really happy with the turnout and support we have been shown. I think we had at least 75 people there, so it shows what people think.
“We as a group are not against renewable energy but we do want the farms to be placed in the best areas to benefit everyone. Wiltshire is a big place so we can’t see how 25% of the target set out by the council should be in such a small radius. “We are blessed to have such a scenic green area to look at out of our windows and people don’t want to see the view replaced by rows and rows of solar panels. It’s fantastic countryside with views to the north and the south. It’s going to be a real shame if this area gets built up.
“These industrial solar farms are almost entirely developer-led. We urge Wiltshire Council to urgently identify the most appropriate sites within the county and encourage, incentivise and work with developers and farmers to develop these locations.”
To find out more about the campaign email wilt shireprotect@gmail.com.
The closing date for comments on the Poulshot solar farm application is Thursday 28th November, with the Sandridge application to the east of Melksham expected to be submitted before Christmas.
