Construction is expected to begin this year on a huge solar farm on land off Storridge Road, near the West Wilts Trading Estate.
The project was granted planning permission in October 2023, and would see a solar farm built across 43 hectares of land, the equivalent of approximately 60 football pitches. It is expected to generate enough electricity to power about 8,700 homes.
The permission requires work to begin within three years so construction must start by October 2026.
A new application was submitted recently to Wiltshire Council to use the Storridge Farm access for construction, maintenance and decommissioning of the site, in addition to the access already approved from Storridge Road.
A cover letter submitted with the application, the developer, NextPower SPV 15 says the change is needed to ensure the timely construction of the first phase of the project, and would allow part of the solar farm to be energised sooner.
The project also aims to support Arla Foods’ Westbury dairy by contributing to its energy requirements, while battery storage would help balance the electricity grid.
Wiltshire Council is expected to decide on the access application by 19th March, with public consultation open until 13th February.
