Plans have revealed that a new solar park could be built on land outside Calne if Wiltshire Council approve a planning application submitted by Valencia Energy.

The application proposes the installation of between eight and nine hectares of solar panels across a former landfill site located to the east of the town.

The new solar park would be south of the existing High Penn Solar Park, which is a 9.6-megawatt solar power station in Calne that is significantly bigger than Valencia Energy’s proposed addition.

The application states: “The site is not visible from any residential property in the immediate locality.

“The local footpath network which is extensive is largely shielded by the wooded landscape and consequently there would be virtually no views of the development from these.

“The view from the Cherhill White Horse is one of some considerable distance and the proposed development would have no more discordant impact than that already caused by the urban fringe activities surrounding the proposed development site.

“Any visual impact caused by the development would be further mitigated by the belts of planting that is proposed as part of the development.

“These areas will help to break up the overall mass of the development.

“In addition, the off-site planting will help to create and increase in biodiversity on the site.”

This is one of numerous applications that Wiltshire Council has received in recent years for solar parks across the county.

At the end of 2023, The North Wiltshire Heritage Group claimed that Wiltshire is now the capital of solar energy farms with the largest concentration of solar farms anywhere in the UK.

The council recognises there are concerns around the development of solar farms but affirms the need for more renewable energy in the county.

Wiltshire Council acknowledged a climate emergency in 2019 and committed to becoming a carbon-neutral council and county by 2030.

A decision must be made regarding the new Calne solar park by Wednesday, May 29.

In January 2024, Valencia Energy engaged with residents and stakeholders by sending invitations to 732 local residents, businesses and parish councillors for a drop-in session at Cherhill Village Hall.

15 people attended the event and two gave feedback responses, both of which supported the solar farm plans.

The consultation period is active until Thursday, March 28.