Consultation feedback reviewed for Lime Down Solar Park

Island Green Power, the developer behind the proposals for Lime Down Solar Park, has published the findings from the consultation held earlier this year.

The report reveals that 88 per cent of respondents did not support the plans, which stretch across two thousand acres of farmland to the north of the M4, southwest of Malmesbury.

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

Feedback from the consultation. (Image: Island Green Power) 53 per cent of participants went as far as to say they did not agree with the need to install ground-mounted solar infrastructure in the UK.

The aspect of the proposal that mattered most to those responding to the consultation was the landscape and visual impact of the scheme.

Concerns were also raised about agriculture, ecology, biodiversity, hydrology, flood risk and drainage.

SEE ALSO: Wiltshire Council approves major solar farms motion

Project location map. (Image: Island Green Power) Island Green Power has said it will use some of the received suggestions for the next consultation, such as providing at least two weeks’ notice for information events, making the consultation materials more accessible to those without internet access, and publicising them more widely.

According to the developers, a second, statutory consultation stage will take place in early 2025.

This will seek feedback on updated designs, including proposed adjustments to the proposed equipment locations and the route of the underground cable connection between the solar and battery areas to Melksham substation, as well as additional measures to mitigate the impacts associated with the project during construction and operation.

Will Threlfall, senior project development manager for Lime Down Solar Park, commented: “We would like to thank everyone who has given their time and feedback to the Lime Down Solar Park team during our stage one consultation.

“It has been invaluable to hear directly from the local community on our proposals including what must be prioritised in our designs.

“We now have a better understanding of what is important from a landscape, nature, and community perspective that will be addressed as we refine our plans.

“Consultation is critical to our design process and, going forward, we will continue to listen to the local community, stakeholders, and key organisations as we develop proposals for Lime Down Solar Park.”