Letter opposing Lime Down Solar Park passes 1,000 signatures

If it goes ahead, the solar park will stretch across two thousand acres of farmland to the north of the M4, southwest of Malmesbury.

Developer Island Green Power has faced considerable opposition, the latest of which has been an open letter urging the concerned landowners to put the “welfare of their communities above personal profit”.

This letter has now reached more than 1,000 signatures from residents calling for landowners to oppose the project.

READ MORE: Update on Lime Down Solar Park plans in Wiltshire

The electricity generated by the proposed solar park would be exported via an underground cable connection into the existing national electricity transmission system at Melksham substation. (Image: Getty)However, at the initial stage of developing proposals for the project, Lime Down Solar Park entered into option agreements with landowners, which put in place legally binding obligations to lease the land.

The most common way in which landowners benefit financially from solar parks is through long-term lease agreements.

The developers typically rent the land whilst they install and operate the solar farm.

Island Green Power advertises a “zero-risk partnership” to landowners, covering all the development costs, including planning and grid connection.

Once the project is installed, Island Green Power enters long-term leases for the land.

The developer says its priority is to ensure that landowners retain their role as “custodians of their property”.

SEE ALSO: Wiltshire Council approves major solar farms motion

A spokesman for the campaign group Stop Lime Down said: “This proposal is irresponsible and unnecessary, lining the pockets of offshore developers with no benefit to the local community.

“This divisive and damaging project can only proceed with the support of the landowners.

“It’s not too late for them to put their community before self-interest.”

According to Island Green Power, the park could deliver up to 500 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power over 115,000 homes annually.

The developer recently confirmed that following discussions with landowners, an additional 44 hectares of land had been made available for the project design.

This was following feedback received during the initial consultation, which reportedly highlighted a need to protect treasured views and walks, wildlife, and local ecology.

Will Threlfall, senior project development manager, explained: “This land will be used to increase buffer zones, putting more distance between solar infrastructure and sensitive areas such as the Cotswold National Landscape, heritage assets including the Fosse Way, landscape features, public rights of way, and residential properties.”

Island Green Power has been contacted for further comment.