Second consultation opens for Lime Down Solar Park

Residents can once again have their say on Lime Down Solar Park, which would be situated to the north of the M4, southwest of Malmesbury and would provide enough electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes annually.

Developers Island Green Power are running the second stage consultation on their refined plans until Wednesday, March 19.

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Indicative layout of Lime Down Solar Park. (Image: Island Green Power) During these seven weeks, the developers are seeking feedback on their updated proposals, which show a development area of 878 hectares.

According to Island Green Power, 53 per cent of this land will be utilised for solar panels and associated infrastructure, whilst the remaining 47 per cent of the land has been allocated for environmental purposes.

The plans have been controversial so far, with the first stage of the consultation revealing that 88 per cent of respondents did not support the proposal.

Protests have also been led by campaign group Stop Lime Down Solar Park, with many residents expressing fear over the impact the development would have on villages like Norton and Hullavington.

The group has called the proposals “irresponsible”, claiming they would “forever change” the local landscape and way of life.  

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A series of online and in-person events will be held over the next seven weeks. (Image: Island Green Power) Will Threlfall, senior project development manager at Island Green Power, has explained that the developers have “carefully considered” ways to minimise the impact of the battery storage component by “co-locating it within the solar development areas” and “increasing the distance between this equipment and nearby residences and communities”.

He said: “We’re really grateful to everyone who has shared their views and contributed to helping shape the project so far.

“Projects like Lime Down Solar are vital to enabling the transition from fossil fuel to low carbon energy, and we’re committed to delivering a scheme that makes a meaningful contribution to both local and national energy needs.

“I’d encourage people to find out more about how our proposals have evolved and come along to the events we’re holding to speak with myself and the wider team.”

Details of the updated proposals are now available on the project website.

As a local authority, Wiltshire Council will not be able to make the final call on the scheme, due to its national significance.

The Planning Inspectorate will carry out an examination of the application and then make a final recommendation to the Secretary of State on whether to grant consent.

Ultimately, the Secretary of State will make the final decision on whether to approve Lime Down Solar Park.