Scale of Wiltshire solar farm revealed in latest plans

A planning application has been submitted for the construction of a 15MW solar development on land to the east of Blounts Court Farm, on the edge of Potterne.

The site, which is a well-used public right of way, is known locally as One Tree Hill because of the iconic ‘Little Tree’ which stands alone on the hill.

The popular local landmark was first planted in 1812 and stood until the 1970s, when it was felled and replaced with the current tree due to disease.

Villagers have previously rallied against the plans because of fears over the visual impact a solar farm would have on the picturesque hill.

But ADAS Planning, working on behalf of developer Greenfield, has insisted the development would provide “significant, long lasting, and wide-ranging” public benefits.

READ MORE: One Tree Hill solar farm plans cause Wiltshire village row

Plans for the One Tree Hill solar farm (Image: ADAS Planning)

This would include the generation of enough clean renewable energy to power 10,000 homes, which would help “alleviate the impacts of climate change.”

In its design and access statement, ADAS said: “The proposed development represents an exciting project which will make a significant contribution to promoting renewable energy use and moving to a low carbon economy.

“The proposed development is considered not to cause any significant harm while the significant public benefits of the proposal outweigh any limited harm.”

In total, plans show the solar farm would take up an area of 28.35 hectares on the hill.

ADAS says landscape features, including the ‘Little Tree’ will be “protected and retained” during the development with a community bench and educational board proposed alongside it.

They added amenity for residents would also be retained, while the construction “would not result in any significant harm to the natural or physical environment.”

But the designs have been met with objections from residents and the Save One Tree Hill protest group is now planning a rally at the site on June 28.

The 'Little Tree' on One Tree Hill (Image: Cynthia Crocker)

A consultation will continue until July 11 and some locals have already voiced their concerns.

Paul Snodgrass, who walks on the hill daily, said: “The elevated position of this solar farm is clearly inconsistent with other solar farms.

“It will dominate the surrounding area and be seen from afar, scarring the landscape, not just for the local residents, all the way out to Westbury and Seend.

“The majority of solar farms sit at low levels behind hedgerows, this proposal will look vulgar and blot the landscape.”