PROPOSALS to build one of the country's largest solar farms in Wroughton has been given the go-ahead.

Sited at the former airfield, the joint application was put forward by the Science Museum and Public Power Solutions, formerly Swindon Commercial Services.

The development will generate 40MW of power, enough for 12,000 homes.

However, because of its location in an Area OF Outstanding Natural Beauty, there has been opposition so the decision was left to the Secretary of State Eric Pickles, following an enquiry last September.

Confirmation was received this morning that approval had been given and work is expected to start in the coming weeks.

James Owen, Commercial Director, Public Power Solutions, said: “We are very pleased that the Secretary of State has recognised the huge benefits this popular scheme brings to Swindon and the Science Museum Group, and we look forward to getting construction underway as soon as possible.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the very strong support from the local community and politicians across the political spectrum throughout this lengthy process. We’d like to say a huge “Thank You” to everyone who came along to one of our events, took the time to send a letter or helped spread the word.

“We’re now looking forward to the next phase, which will be giving local people the opportunity to invest directly in the solar park. We’ll be letting everyone know more about how they can do that in due course.”

Matt Moore, Head of Wroughton Site, Science Museum Group, said: “It’s been a long wait, but we’re really pleased to have been given the go-ahead.

"The green electricity generated by the solar farm will have a positive impact for the Science Museum Group, effectively putting more electricity into the grid than we use as an organisation, while providing a secure and reliable income to help us continue our work conserving the extraordinary objects in our collections.”

A community benefit fund for Wroughton will be set up which will amount to around £40,000 a year, for the next 30 years, to be allocated by the community for local projects. Residents will also have the opportunity to invest directly in the solar farm, with a planned minimum investment of just £50, giving them an ownership stake in the project.

Local resident Steve Harcourt has long been in favour of the solar farm and welcomed the news.

He said: “I'm delighted with the news and would say it is a victory for common sense. There was always some concern about which way the decision would go but it would appear local opinion has been listened to.

"It is a good use of that part of the airfield because there is nothing there at the moment. It might also help the Science Museum open up some of collection they have up there to public which they have not so far been able to do. There will also be a financial benefit to the people of Wroughton”

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: “I have campaigned very hard for the creation of what will be one of the largest solar farms in the country and will bring great benefits not only to Wroughton but the whole of Swindon.

“It is something which has been very popular with the community and their hard work will have been a big factor in the decision.

“The council have made a commitment to increasing solar power and this will make a big contribution. Swindon will be able to say it is pulling its wait when it comes to renewable energy.”