’Cille Packer (Gazette letters, October 17) is concerned about solar parks causing the “industrialisation of the local rural environment”.

Like all renewable energy proposals, solar parks should be sited appropriately and sensitively, and should not use the highest grade of agricultural land.

On less productive land, they offer traditional farmers a good way of diversifying their income, and can actually help preserve the agricultural landscape for the future. Solar panels go very well with sheep grazing and beekeeping.

Unlike many other forms of development, they are temporary and, when the solar farm comes to the end of its productive life, the land can easily be restored.

Because of our southerly location, Wiltshire is seeing large growth in solar developments; local communities should be properly consulted and given the opportunity to share the benefits. This can be done through a community fund or the chance to invest directly.

If developers do not offer this upfront, then parish and town councils should take the lead in negotiating on behalf of their residents – because there is little doubt that more and more solar developments will be appearing on their agendas in the future.

Sophy Fearnley-Whittingstall, Calne.