New solar farm inches closer to approval

A new solar farm project is moving closer to receiving approval from the Wiltshire Council. The council is expected to make a decision regarding this solar farm by the end of January 2025. This solar farm has the potential to generate 10 megawatts of power, which is sufficient to supply electricity to approximately 5,500 homes for an entire year. The proposed site for the solar farm is located on farmland east of Battens Farm, covering two agricultural fields situated between Yatton Keynell and Allington, near Chippenham in Wiltshire. The planning application has been submitted to Wiltshire Council by the developer, Noventum Power, following a consultation process with the local community. nnAccording to a spokesperson from Noventum Power, the majority of the feedback received from the community was supportive of the solar farm and emphasized the importance of renewable energy developments. The intended site is located across from several farm properties and cottages, which adds to the significance of community engagement in this project. The developer noted that the feedback from the community was very beneficial in shaping the proposal. The application outlines that the solar farm would be operational for a period of up to 40 years. After this operational period, the solar farm would undergo decommissioning, which is expected to take around six months. Once the infrastructure is removed, the site will be restored to its original condition prior to construction. nnThe solar farm will connect to the National Grid through an existing overhead power line that runs from east to west, linking to the Yatton Keynell substation, located approximately 462 meters west of the proposed fields. The council is anticipated to make a decision regarding the solar farm early next year. Climate change is a pressing global issue that refers to the long-term changes in the Earth's average temperatures and weather patterns. The World Meteorological Organization reports that between 2014 and 2023, the world was, on average, about 1. 2 degrees Celsius warmer than it was during the late 19th century. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, such as solar power, to combat climate change and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.