The developers behind Lime Down Solar Park have reached a further milestone in the work going towards the proposals for the large project that could drastically transform the landscape of northern Wiltshire.
International developer Island Green Power wants to erect solar panels at six locations including Sherston, Hullavington and Stanton St Quintin to form one giant project which would then be connected to the National Grid at Melksham.
Island Green Power has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment scoping report to the Planning Inspectorate for consultation with expert bodies.
The renewable energy company has confirmed that the statutory consultation on detailed proposals for Lime Down is expected to take place in early 2025.
READ MORE: Wiltshire Council approves major solar farms motion
It also noted that following feedback to the initial consultation, an additional 44 hectares of land will be included to enhance buffer zones between infrastructure and sensitive assets such as the Fosse Way and residential properties.
This initial consultation saw numerous protests opposing the project, which would stretch across two thousand acres of farmland to the north of the M4, southwest of Malmesbury.
An underground cable would connect the site to the national grid at Melksham substation approximately 20 kilometres away.
The developers report that Lime Down Solar Park could deliver up to 500 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power over 115,000 homes annually.
The previous MP for North Wiltshire, James Gray, described it as a “disgraceful proposal” in Parliament, raising concerns over the “cumulative effect” of solar farms in the area.
It was also the topic of debate when Wiltshire Council passed a motion which called upon the government to ensure solar developments are “more evenly spread across the UK”.
Following the submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment scoping report, the Planning Inspectorate will consult on the Lime Down project proposals over the next month, with stakeholders including Wiltshire Council.
Will Threlfall, senior project development manager at Island Green Power, said: “We are pleased to reach the next milestone in the development of our proposals for Lime Down Solar Park.
SEE ALSO: Lime Down Solar Park plans in Wiltshire spark angry protests
“The Scoping Report gives more detail on the project and sets out the environmental criteria we’ll use to evaluate the potential effects of any development.
“Our findings will guide actions to reduce and manage impacts on the local landscape and environment, and address residents' concerns.
“We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to the initial consultation.
“Your feedback highlighted how important the area is and the need to protect treasured views and walks, wildlife, and local ecology.
“All the points raised are reflected in this Environmental Scoping Report and will be factored into our development of the project."
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