DEVELOPERS behind a massive proposed solar park near Malmesbury have reached a further milestone this week.

Island Green Power has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment scoping report to the Planning Inspectorate about the proposed Lime Down Solar Park.

The renewable energy company has confirmed that statutory consultation on detailed proposals for Lime Down is expected to take place in early 2025.

It also noted that following feedback to its initial consultation, an additional 44 hectares of land will be included to enhance buffer zones between infrastructure and sensitive assets such as the Fosse Way and residential properties.

This initial consultation saw numerous protests opposing the project, which would stretch across two thousand acres of farmland to the north of the M4, southwest of Malmesbury.

An underground cable would connect the site to the national grid at Melksham substation approximately 20 kilometres away.

Meanwhile, developers say that Lime Down Solar Park could deliver up to 500 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power over 115,000 homes annually.

The update comes after the new energy secretary Ed Miliband approved a 2,500-acre controversial solar development in East Anglia earlier this month on July 12.

Approving the scheme, Mr Miliband, said solar power was "crucial to achieving net zero".

Newly-elected Malmesbury MP Roz Savage said in her Standard column last week that she was "reaching out to the Minister" about Lime Down.

"Secretary of State Ed Miliband approved a massive solar development in East Anglia, in the face of strong cross-party and local community opposition," she said.

"This will cause justified consternation among those of us opposed to the vast Lime Down Solar Park in the northern part of Wiltshire."

More than 17,000 objectors previously signed a petition against the scheme.

It was also the topic of debate when Wiltshire Council passed a motion which called upon the government to ensure solar developments are "more evenly spread across the UK".

A view looking towards the proposed Lime Down solar farm site (Image: PA)

“There are plenty of alternatives to solar plants" say protestors 

A spokesperson from the protest group Stop Lime Down said: “Stop Lime Down was disappointed and surprised by the Secretary of State’s hasty approval of three industrial-sized solar plants that risk undermining Britain’s food security and further disfiguring its countryside.

“The approvals were especially surprising given that the Planning Inspectorate recommended against the Sunnica plant.

“The speed with which the Secretary of State unhesitatingly approved three giant solar plants immediately after the Election suggests that he is prepared to steamroller the interests of local communities in pursuit of his net zero targets.

“In particular, we are alarmed that they are attempting to stop the EIA report from considering significant risks such as flooding and water contamination in the area around the scheme. 

“This potentially poses risks for residents across a much wider region of Wiltshire.

“There are plenty of compelling alternatives to industrial-sized solar plants 

“Once again, we call upon the Secretary of State to follow the European example and explore options such as rooftops, car parks, brownfield sites and small community-owned solar projects before sacrificing Britain’s food security and countryside on the altar of net zero.”

"Pleased to reach the next milestone" says developer

Following the submission of the EIA scoping report, the Planning Inspectorate will consult on the Lime Down proposals over the next month, with stakeholders including Wiltshire Council.

Will Threlfall, senior project development manager at Island Green Power, said: "We are pleased to reach the next milestone in the development of our proposals for Lime Down Solar Park.

"The Scoping Report gives more detail on the project and sets out the environmental criteria we'll use to evaluate the potential effects of any development.

"Our findings will guide actions to reduce and manage impacts on the local landscape and environment, and address residents' concerns.

"We'd like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to the initial consultation.

"Your feedback highlighted how important the area is and the need to protect treasured views and walks, wildlife, and local ecology.

"All the points raised are reflected in this Environmental Scoping Report and will be factored into our development of the project."