Approval has been granted for several crucial environmental conditions related to the construction of a large-scale solar farm south of the M4. Last year planning permission was given for the Leigh Delamere Solar Farm to be built on land between the village of Sevington and Leigh Delamere motorway services. The company Eden Renewables, which is spearheading the development, suggested the farm would generate 49.9MW of power and deliver “significant social, environmental, and economic benefits” for the local area.
However, the project has faced its share of challenges. Both Grittleton Parish Council and Yatton Keynell Parish Council in Wiltshire voiced opposition, echoing the concerns of residents. Additionally, Eden Renewables encountered resistance over another proposed solar farm known as Red Barn near Kington St Michael last year, which was their third attempt within the county after those at Leigh Delamere and Forest Gate.
Despite the obstacles, the recent clearance of four principal conditions linked to the Leigh Delamere proposal has helped push the project ahead. These included approval for a construction ecology management plan, a landscape and ecology management plan, a related monitoring scheme, and the completion of an access track that connects the public road to the site compound – marking a significant step in the development’s progression, as reported by Gloucestershire Live.
Overall, the approval for the large-scale solar farm near the M4 signifies a step forward in the renewable energy sector. The decision to move ahead with the project, despite mixed views and opposition, highlights the growing importance of sustainability and green energy sources in the modern world. This development not only opens up new opportunities for generating clean electricity but also brings potential benefits for the local community in terms of employment and environmental conservation.