A public consultation has been launched to gather feedback on a proposal for a new solar farm north of Royal Wootton Bassett.

Ampyr Solar Europe is inviting people to share their views on plans for Flaxlands Solar Farm on an 87.5-hectare site to the west of the village of Hook.

According to the developer, the project would supply electricity to approximately 21,000 homes a year, sufficient for an area nearly twice the size of Royal Wooton Bassett.

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Ampyr Solar Europe has a 7+ Gigawatt solar portfolio in development.Ampyr Solar Europe has a 7+ Gigawatt solar portfolio in development. (Image: Google) The same company is behind plans for another solar farm south of the A342, near Pewsey, 1.5km below the village of Wilsford.

Earlier this year, Wiltshire Council approved a motion that stated it was “increasingly concerned at the concentration of solar farms, battery storage and associated infrastructure in Wiltshire”.

It called upon the government to ensure solar developments are “more evenly spread across the UK”.

This site near Royal Wootton Bassett would also have a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), allowing solar energy to be stored and later released to areas in need of power.

Ampyr Solar Europe has explained that the clean energy generated will save on average 17,900 tonnes of CO2 per year, which adds up to over 716,000 tonnes of CO2 over the next 40 years.

The consultation will be held until Tuesday, December 3, and will include a drop-in event at the Hook, Greatfield and Greenhill Village Hall on Tuesday, November 19, from 2pm to 7pm.

The developers plan to submit a formal application to Wiltshire Council early next year.

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Michael Breslaw, Consents Manager at Ampyr Solar Europe, commented: “Ampyr Solar Europe is committed to supporting the UK’s transition to zero and low carbon sources of power and achieving energy security. 

“Solar energy will play an important role in this journey, and Flaxlands Solar Farm will be key to supporting this transition.

“The scheme will aim to leave a positive legacy for the area through both its’ provision of reliable and green energy to local communities and its’ ecological commitments.

“We are looking forward to sharing our proposal with the local community and working with them to shape the project.”  

The Flaxlands site was identified following a four-step selection process that considered demand for electricity and suitability for the area.

Ampyr Solar Europe has said the proposal has been “carefully considered to minimise any impact on the community and the environment”.

According to the developer, the site layout has been designed, where possible, to protect local views and minimise disruption to the local community and will include landscaping and wildlife enhancement measures.