Right of way protected as solar farm approved

The land on which the solar farm will be built is a popular walking route

A new solar farm will be built near a popular dog walking route after plans were unanimously approved.

Crewkerne-based Solar South West has been granted permission for the development on Merryfield Lane in Ilton, which is between the Ilminster bypass and the A358.

As part of the permission, the company has pledged to protect a public right of way on the land which is regularly used by walkers.

Somerset Council’s planning committee south approved the application and asked for steps to be taken to keep construction traffic and noise to a minimum.

'Somebody could get hurt'

Councillors heard of opposition from residents during the meeting on 28 November, with people living nearby raising safety concerns while the site is developed.

The land is currently used for sheep grazing and is deemed too stony to grow root crops, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Jo Roundell Greene, whose South Petherton and Islemoor division includes the Merryfield Lane site, also had concerns over safety.

"The road is very narrow and used a lot by residents walking their dogs. If there is an accident and somebody gets hurt down there, it will be very serious," she added.

Councillor Sue Osborne said the lane was not in good condition and asked for a survey to be carried out, while councillor Henry Hobhouse asked for a condition for the land to be left "in a better condition when they finish than it is now".

Solar South West said it will restore the land to agricultural use after the solar farm's 41-year operational lifespan.

Work could get under way early in 2024.