Whitley has been removed as a potential location for a controversial battery storage site, part of plans for a massive 2,220-acre solar facility, following significant community objections.
The developer, Island Green Power, confirmed the decision in its ‘Statement of Community Consultation,’ stating that the preferred location for the battery storage site is now north of the M4 near Hullavington. The site forms part of Lime Down Solar, a proposed development that would generate 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity – enough to power approximately 115,000 homes each year.
The overall project spans 2,220 acres across five sites on agricultural land north of the M4, southwest of Malmesbury. Cabling for the infrastructure will connect to the National Grid at Melksham Substation in Beanacre.
Plans for the battery site in Whitley faced fierce opposition during the first public consultation last year. Residents and local councillors raised concerns about the size of the project, the loss of green land, flooding risks, fire hazards, light pollution, noise and its impact on local wildlife.
Many residents joined the campaign group Stop Lime Down Solar, who are campaigning against the whole development, and signed a petition opposing the plans.
A statement from the Community Action Whitley and Shaw group said, “Whilst delighted by this news, we also feel for the residents who will live close to the battery energy storage site if the scheme is approved. With that in mind, we are treating the news sensitively and we have a meeting at the end of the month with the Stop Lime Down group to see how we might best work together going forward.
“Our main focus will now be on trying to ensure that the cable run route (if the scheme goes ahead) and the connection to the Melksham Substation behind Whitley Golf Club is sensible, appropriately planned/engineered, safe, and provides the minimum level of disruption to residents and businesses.”
Despite Whitley’s removal as an option, Melksham Without Parish Council’s clerk, Teresa Strange, confirmed that the council will remain involved in the consultation because cabling for the project is still planned to run from Malmesbury to Beanacre.
“They are still going to lay all those cables from Malmesbury to Beanacre, and we need to go through the documentation to learn how this will affect the land and the road,” she said.
Island Green Power says it has taken public concerns into account. Senior project development manager Will Threlfall explained, “Following our initial round of consultation and as part of our ongoing commitment to sensitive design and responding to people’s feedback, we have carefully explored ways to minimise the impacts associated with the battery storage component of Lime Down Solar Park. By collocating this within the solar option areas, we can maintain the efficiency and performance of the BESS while reducing potential impacts by increasing the distance between the equipment and nearby residences and communities.”
He added, “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has shared their views and contributed to shaping a scheme that will make a meaningful contribution to both local and national energy needs. Our second round of consultation runs from 29th January to 19th March, and I warmly encourage you to take part.”
Printed copies of the Statement of Community Consultation will be available to view at Melksham Library.
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