Exagen Development Limited is seeking planning permission from Wiltshire Council for a renewable energy park development on land totalling approximately 46.4 hectares.

Swallett Energy Park would sit to the west of Lyneham substation, south of the M4 and north of the Great Western Mainline, to the west of the village of Dauntsey Lock.

The proposal suggests building solar panels on this agricultural land with associated infrastructure, including a new 33kV substation which would be connected via an underground cable.

South West Farmer: The underground cable will take the shortest available route along the highway to connect to the existing Lyneham substation. The underground cable will take the shortest available route along the highway to connect to the existing Lyneham substation. (Image: Exagen Development Limited)

The development would generate sustainable and renewable electricity and connect directly into the local electricity network.

Prior to the public consultation in May 2023, the applicant made contact with Sutton Benger, Christian Malford, Dauntsey Lock, Bradenstoke Parishes, ward councillors and local MPs to inform them of the project.

Two ‘drop-in’ consultations were held at Christian Malford and Bradenstoke village halls in May, as well as a webinar hosted by the project manager.

A survey carried out by the applicant showed that the majority of participants believed the solar farm was a good idea.

South West Farmer: 67 questionnaires were completed and provided to Exagen.67 questionnaires were completed and provided to Exagen. (Image: Exagen Development Limited)

It also showed that their main concerns were regarding the landscape and visual effect of the development.

According to the application, changes have been made to the design of the development in response to comments received from stakeholders.

It proposes strengthening the existing vegetation to better conceal the development and has introduced greater setbacks from listed buildings to reduce the impact on the setting of these heritage assets.

South West Farmer: The imagined view from the footpath on the northern edge of Melsome Wood.The imagined view from the footpath on the northern edge of Melsome Wood. (Image: Exagen Development Limited)

There are 16 listed buildings located within a 1km buffer of the site, all of which are listed at Grade II.

The owner of one of these buildings, Malford House, has previously expressed her concern regarding the visual impact of solar farms in the county.

The heritage statement included in the application states that harm to certain assets requires balancing against the public benefit arising from the proposed development.

South West Farmer: The application provided a map showing from where the site would be visible. The application provided a map showing from where the site would be visible. (Image: Exagen Development Limited)

The ecological impact assessment states: “Habitats of local ecological importance to be lost, such as 10m of hedgerow, will be compensated for through replacement planting in the form of newly created hedgerows, grassland, and broadleaved woodland.”

It adds: “Species-specific enhancements recommended within this report, which include new native habitat creation and provision of bat and bird boxes, would enhance the site for wildlife and increase the habitat diversity on site providing a range of nesting, foraging and commuting opportunities for species such as invertebrates, bats, and birds.”

The deadline date for Wiltshire Council’s decision is Tuesday, March 5, 2024.