Forest Gate solar farm near Chippenham approved by Wiltshire Council

The scheme which will dominate fields on the A4 south east of Chippenham was approved by Wiltshire Council at a planning meeting on March 2.

Developer Eden Renewables say the Forest Gate scheme will produce enough electricity for almost 14,000 homes and will save around 20,000 tonnes of C02 a year.

There was much of debate around the decision with those against saying it would ruin the beauty of the green landscape.

Those in support argued the planet’s beauty can only be truly protected if renewable energy is used to fight global warming.

Speaking against the proposal at a council meeting on March 2 one local resident said: “A solar farm is an inappropriate development in this location and can only be described as industrial.

“This application will significantly adversely impact the character and appearance of the landscape.

“The expansive tranquil landscape with far reaching views will turn into an industrial utility power grade complex.

“If this application did not have its so-called green credentials it would automatically be refused due to its industrialisation of farm land.

“The ongoing war in Ukraine and the subsequent food shortages here in the UK is undeniable proof that we cannot continue to sacrifice any farm land.”

Land next to the A4 between Chippenham and Calne will be turned into a solar farm (Image: Newsquest)

She added it wouldn’t benefit the community as the small amount of energy produced will simply be fed into the national grid.

But Eden Renewables founder Harry Lopes said: “The site is almost completely grade 3b not best or versatile land and the government policy is very clear that this is acceptable for solar development.

“Much of the site is wet, hard to farm productively mostly used for hay cutting and where it has been used for arable in the past requires high levels of expensive chemical inputs.

“The National Farmers’ Union supports the project.

Forest Gate business park on the A4, which will neighbour the solar park (Image: Newsquest)

“The site is not visible from the Derry Hill conservation area and while four Grade II listed buildings are identified as having the lowest possible level of harm to their settings, one is buffered by the business park and the others are separated from the site by the busy A4 London Road.

“The government energy security strategy requires a fivefold increase in solar by 2035.

“The recent net zero review by Conservative MP Chris Skidmore reiterates this target going even further calling for a solar revolution.

“Time is running out and we really need projects like Forest Gate to make some progress.”