The Strategic Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council was scheduled to discuss a proposal for a solar farm at Townsend Farm, Poulshot, Devizes. The meeting's agenda also included updates on planning appeals.

Solar Farm Proposal at Townsend Farm, Poulshot

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for the installation of a solar farm at Townsend Farm, Poulshot, Devizes, SN10 1SD. The proposal, identified as PL/2024/11631, involves the installation of ground-mounted solar PV panels with a generating capacity of up to 13.5 MW. Associated infrastructure, including solar panel mounts, a substation, inverters, storage containers, underground cabling, fencing, CCTV, internal roads, and tracks, was also part of the plan. The application sought permission for a period of 40 years and included landscape and ecological enhancements.

The report pack indicated that the site is located within open countryside and is currently agricultural land, provisionally classified as Grade 3 (good to moderate quality) and Grade 4 (poor quality). However, further analysis suggested the land is predominantly Grade 3b (moderate quality) or Grade 2 (very good quality) and Grade 3a (good quality) agricultural land. The proposal was referred to the committee due to concerns raised by Councillor Tamara Reay regarding visual impact, environmental and highway implications, and drainage.

Key issues scheduled for discussion included:

• Principle of Development: The report highlighted national and local policies supporting renewable energy generation, such as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Wiltshire Council's commitment to carbon neutrality.
• Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land: The assessment considered the impact on agricultural land quality, noting that while some of the land is classified as best and most versatile, the development is temporary and reversible, with potential for biodiversity enhancement.
• Cumulative Impacts: The report addressed concerns about the clustering of solar farms in the area and the potential industrialisation of the countryside. It noted that Wiltshire Council has expressed concerns about the concentration of solar developments.
• Archaeology and Heritage Impact: The site has revealed significant Romano-British archaeological remains. The assessment considered impacts on nearby listed buildings and conservation areas, concluding a neutral impact. Further archaeological investigation and recording were recommended.
• Landscape Impact, Design and Appearance: The proposal was assessed against policies concerning landscape character and visual amenity. The site is within the Trowbridge Rolling Clay Lowland character area. Concerns were raised about visibility from elevated viewpoints and public rights of way, but the Council's Landscape Officer's objection was removed following further assessment and mitigation proposals.
• Neighbour and Local Area Amenity: The report considered potential impacts on residential amenity, including noise, security, and visual intrusion. Noise impact assessments indicated low predicted levels during operation, and construction hours were proposed to be conditioned.
• Highways Safety, Access and Rights of Way: The report detailed the proposed access arrangements and traffic management plan for the construction phase. Concerns were raised by local residents and the British Horse Society regarding traffic disruption and safety, particularly for horse riders. The Highway Authority raised no objection subject to conditions.
• Flood Risk and Drainage: The site is partially located within Flood Zones 2 and 3. The Environment Agency and Lead Local Flood Authority raised concerns, but these were addressed through revised assessments and technical notes, with support for the proposal subject to conditions.
• Ecology and Biodiversity: The proposal included measures for landscape and ecological enhancements, with conditions proposed to protect and enhance biodiversity, including mitigation for barn owls, bats, and skylarks. A Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) contribution was also noted.

The report outlined a recommendation for approval, subject to a series of conditions and a Section 111 legal agreement for monitoring biodiversity net gain.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on planning appeals. The report indicated that no new appeals relating to the Strategic Planning Committee had been received or decided since the previous meeting. However, a previous appeal decision concerning a solar farm at Land South of Salisbury Road, near Homington, Coombe Bissett, Salisbury, was noted. In that instance, the Planning Inspector allowed the appeal with conditions, finding that the benefits of the scheme outweighed the landscape harm.