Politics & Council · Wiltshire-wide
Final hearings commence for contentious Lime Down Solar Park project
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A public inquiry into the proposed Lime Down Solar Park has entered its final stage, as concerns regarding traffic, land use, and community impact remain at the forefront of the debate.
The public inquiry into plans for the massive Lime Down Solar Park, a project that would span significant rural acreage between Malmesbury and the M4, has officially entered its final set of hearings. The proceedings, currently taking place at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre near Swindon, have drawn intense local attention, with a protest occurring outside the venue as the inquiry resumed.
Island Green Power, the developer behind the proposal, aims to build one of the largest solar and battery storage facilities in the UK. The project is designed to generate 500MW of electricity, which the applicant states would be sufficient to power approximately 115,000 homes annually. However, the scale of the development has faced significant opposition from residents and local groups who fear it will industrialise a vast area of the North Wiltshire landscape.
Key focus areas for the final stage
This final block of hearings is tasked with scrutinising several critical aspects of the application. Expert panels from the Planning Inspectorate are currently reviewing evidence on the following topics:
Landscape and visual impacts
Cultural heritage considerations
Hydrology, flood risk, and drainage management
Traffic and transportation logistics
Outline management and mitigation plans
The inquiry will also address socio-economic factors and biodiversity, alongside legal arguments concerning compulsory land acquisition and the Development Consent Order required to move the project forward.
Local concerns over impact
The project has faced stiff resistance from those living and working in the affected area. Ann Hawker, who runs a farming business in Hullavington, expressed deep concern regarding the impact of proposed cable infrastructure. She highlighted the potential for long-term damage to agricultural land, noting that the installation of a 12-mile cable to the Melksham substation would cause significant disturbance.
Business owners have also voiced fears about the economic impact. Phil Moore, a representative for the campaign group Stop Lime Down, highlighted a survey of local businesses which suggested that the project could adversely affect tourism and trade, particularly for rural pubs and hospitality venues in the vicinity.
Traffic and infrastructure challenges
Martin Smith, the Wiltshire councillor for the Sherston division and cabinet member for Highways, has challenged the developer's transport assessments. Cllr Smith raised concerns that the applicant has consistently underestimated the volume of heavy goods vehicle movements required for the construction. He also questioned how large, abnormal loads, including 150-tonne transformers, would navigate the narrow country roads around Hullavington and the Grittleton Crossroads.
While Wiltshire Council has formally opposed the application, the final decision remains in the hands of the national government. Because the project is classified as nationally significant infrastructure, the final ruling will be made by Miatta Fahnbulleh, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, rather than local planning authorities.
The examination is scheduled to conclude on 21 October. Following this, the inspectors will submit a recommendation to the minister, with a final decision expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
Source: Gazette & Herald — Malmesbury · View original