Lime Down Solar Park: 'Biggest issue in 30-years'

James Gray MP co-hosted a public meeting to discuss plans for Lime Down Solar Park

Plans for new large solar farms are facing growing opposition.

A public meeting to discuss the plans was held by James Gray MP and campaign group, Stop Lime Down Solar Park on Wednesday in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

The development aims to create 500MW of clean energy, said to be enough to power 115,000 homes.

Developer Island Green Power said the farm would give a "net gain in biodiversity".

Speaking at the meeting, which was attended by 550 residents, the MP for North Wiltshire said he had "never come across an issue as big as this" during his 30 years of service to the area.

A petition opposing the plans has been signed by more than 9,000 people.

The government will respond to the petition if it reaches 10,000 signatures.

The development is proposed to cover 2,000 acres (810 hectares) of agricultural land spanning six villages, including Sherston, Hullavington and Stanton St Quintin, near Malmesbury.

The sites would be connected to the National Grid's substation in Melksham, the proposals say.

Mike Tarrant said people "don't want this"

Mike Tarrant has lived in Sherston for 45 years.

He told the meeting: "We just don't want this.

"It's the wrong thing in the wrong place.

"We get thousands of people visit the whole area, a lot of people stay in Sherston for their holidays.

"And to drive six or seven miles and all you can see is bright shiny mirrors.

"It's just not the way it should be."

Sara Sorby lives in Rodbourne

Sara Sorby lives in Rodbourne, close to the planned park.

She said she's "not against renewable energy", but worries that building such a big development will lead to "tearing up" the countryside.

Lesley Bennett said the park would be a "hugely beneficial"

Former Mayor of Malmesbury, Lesley Bennett, said the solar farm would be "hugely beneficial".

She said the solar panels would be "virtually invisible" when developers screen the farm with hedges.

"It's not going to be an affront to the landscape."

Growing up near the Watchfield solar arrays, she said: "They're beautiful.

"You can go and walk amongst them, you can see the wild flowers, they have sheep in there sometimes to eat the grass, sky larks above them.

"It's just a lovely place."

Campaign group Stop Lime Down Solar Park is challenging the developer's plans

Natasha Worrall, project development manager at Island Green Power, said Lime Down Solar Park would provide "a significant amount of clean electricity for businesses and homes in the region".

"As well as providing clean electricity, which helps us move away from polluting fossil fuels, it is our ambition to design the project in a way that also boosts and enhances local wildlife by delivering a net gain in biodiversity."

She added: "We are dedicated to responsible land use and believe that the development and delivery of utility-scale farms can co-exist harmoniously with their environment," she added.

The developer is running a six-week public consultation that ends on 26 April.