Wed, 29 Jan 2025

Solar park will 'completely swamp' nine villages

Plans for 2,000 acres of solar panels are dividing Cotswold villagers.

* Plans have been proposed to build one of the largest solar parks in the UK on 2,000 acres of farmland near Malmesbury in the Cotswolds.
* The scheme would generate enough energy for 115,000 homes and is part of the government's aim to quadruple the amount of solar power generated in the UK.
* Local campaigners, including Rosie Clark, are opposed to the plan, saying it will "decimate" the local area and harm tourism.
* Supporters, such as former mayor Lesley Bennett, claim that opponents are "well-connected people" who are spreading misinformation.
* The developers, Island Green Power, have said they will make changes to reduce the visibility of the solar panels and have allocated 47% of the land for environmental purposes.
* A formal public consultation will run until March 2025, after which the company will submit a planning application that will be decided by the Secretary of State.
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