Following a close vote, plans for a major solar farm in the countryside south of Gloucestershire have been granted planning permission, set to provide energy for approximately 18,000 homes annually. Despite local resistance, the 83-hectare Cattybrook Solar Farm will be built west of Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire, spanning 23 fields.
The project, projected to produce 49.9 megawatts of energy, includes infrastructure such as access roads, cabling, a control room, a substation, storage units, a battery area, security fencing, and CCTV.
Local concerns were raised regarding potential effects on property values, urban encroachment on rural areas, disruption to wildlife, view obstruction, and flood risks. Residents and council members expressed fears about the impacts on the countryside landscape and the need to shield it from such developments.
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Alderman Peter Tyzack, chair of the Pilning and Severn Beach Parish Council, voiced concerns about the intrusion of commercial developments in the area, emphasizing the impact on the region’s natural beauty. Similarly, resident Phil Thomas highlighted the potential decrease in property values and the importance of preserving the countryside and residential amenity.
While the plans are restricted to 40 years, with the possibility of the land being restored to agricultural use afterwards, skepticism remains among locals. Some believe the land may be used for housing instead. Additionally, opinions on whether the site should be classified as “grey belt” land were divided.
Despite the opposition, the project aims to contribute to the region’s renewable energy capacity and underwent design modifications to address concerns about the visual impact of the solar panels. Measures to enhance the environment, such as introducing wildflower meadows and additional hedgerows, have been proposed by the developers.
In addition to the environmental benefits, Luminous Energy, the company behind the project, has committed to an annual community fund of £20,000 to support local initiatives. The facility, accessible through Woodbury Lane, will also incorporate large on-site batteries for storing energy.
While some councillors questioned the need for more renewable energy and the size of the solar farm, government and council policies advocate for increased renewable energy production as part of the transition away from fossil fuels.
Conservative Councillor Paul Hughes expressed concerns about the impact on agricultural land and the countryside’s natural landscape, emphasizing the historical significance of the fields and questioning the classification of “grey belt” for the site.