Over the past week or two I have been snowed under dealing with local complaints regarding the construction of a new solar farm to the east of Norrington Lane, Shaw, Melksham.

I think it’s true to say that I found very few locals against the solar farm, but the complaints are more about the lack of conditions placed on the final decision that would have been a safeguard for residents living in the area.

The first question is why the application was not ‘called’ to the application to the Western Area Planning committee, not only to ensure proper conditions were put on but to ensure this application was decided in public rather than being delegated to a council officer.

It has been a living nightmare for residents, all because of the council failing in their duty to place proper conditions on this application.

Work has been starting early in the morning and ending late at night, dozens of Eastern European HGVs have been blocking the lanes, mud has been dragged out onto the main A365 Shaw Hill as there was no condition for a wheel wash on site. The police and highways department, who have often been called to the site three or four times a day, have been helpless, telling me their hands have been tied due to the council not doing their job by putting conditions on the final planning consent.

It has also become very clear that the council have failed in their duty to consult local residents – 17 residents were directly contacted when dozens were affected.

As locals wish, I intend not to let this issue drop. Wiltshire Council has let residents down. I have now made a formal complaint to Wiltshire Council and if needs be I will take it right to the Local Government Ombudsman.

On a final note, I must say that I cannot speak highly enough of Wiltshire Highways and Wiltshire Police, who have been fast to respond and have done all in their power to help myself and local residents.

Councillor Terry Chivers, Independent Melksham Without North, Eden Grove, Whitley, Melksham.