Red Barn Solar Farm plans near M4 in Wiltshire submitted

The proposed Red Barn Solar Farm would cover 13 fields between the village of Kington St Michael and the A350, just south of the M4, and a further four fields to the east of the A350.

The total capacity of the scheme would be 40MW AC.

Developers Eden Renewables say this would generate enough electricity to supply the equivalent of 15,000 average Wiltshire homes, while saving an estimated 13,700 tonnes of CO2 pollution each year.

After a two-day workshop with Kington St Michael residents, Eden Renewables has applied for planning permission to make their designs a reality.

Ross Wolhuter, the firm’s head of development UK, said: “From the outset, Red Barn Solar Farm was designed in close collaboration with the local community.

Land to the east of Kington St Michael (Image: Newsquest)“The result is a renewable energy project which prioritises continuing agricultural use; creates a large new community access area for Kington St. Michael; and offers an innovative community ownership opportunity.”

The plans have previously sparked objections from a group of villagers who launched a poster campaign against the project.

They fear the development would become an “eyesore” that blights the village.

In their Planning, Design and Access Statement, Eden Renewables admitted there would be a “substantial adverse” visual effect on Kington St Michael properties during construction.

A “moderate effect” would remain for ten years after completion of the farm, although this would be reversible at the end of the operational period.

But the developers added: “The proposal will deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits that outweigh the limited and temporary harm to the site’s landscape character.”

Chris Niker and Jane Cattelona are against the plans (Image: Newsquest)The three fields closest to the village were excluded from the development to minimise visual impact while extensive new tree and hedgerow planting will be undertaken to screen the panels.

The site will also include a 47-acre community access area boasting an orchard, woodland pasture, wildflower meadows, seating, and a permissive footpath.

A benefit fund of £24,000 per year, over 40 years, would also be made available for local educational and social projects.

Red Barn could become the first solar farm in Wiltshire to offer local residents the opportunity to save money on their electricity bills by owning shares.

20 per cent of the farm would be owned and operated by a cooperative, set up by Ripple Energy, with locals able to buy shares from £25.

A public consultation is underway ahead of Wiltshire Council’s decision deadline of January 31, 2024.