Sir Ashley Fox, the Member of Parliament for Bridgwater, has formally urged Somerset Council to reject plans for a new 30MW solar farm near the M5 motorway. The project, submitted by Ampyr Solar Europe through North Newton Solar Farm Ltd., involves developing nearly 141 acres (57 hectares) of land along Tuckerton Lane in North Newton, around three miles south of Bridgwater.
Following a public consultation held between August and September 2025, the application was officially lodged with the council in December 2025. The developers claim the facility could generate enough clean energy to power approximately 13,000 homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 400,000 tonnes throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Despite these potential benefits, Sir Ashley Fox has raised significant objections. He highlights serious concerns voiced by local residents regarding increased flood risks due to surface water runoff on a site already challenged by drainage issues. He argues that the development might conflict with Sedgemoor Local Plan guidelines, which prioritize avoiding increased flood risks and ensuring proper water management.
READ MORE: Bath WWII Veteran, 100, Finally Receives War Medals After 80 Years
READ MORE: I Was Banksy’s Neighbour in a Somerset Village – This Is What He’s Really Like
Additionally, Fox points to traffic and safety problems linked to the project’s access requirements. The conversion of the Moon Lane and Brook Street T-junction into a crossroads would necessitate removing ten metres of hedgerow to accommodate heavy vehicles. The narrow country lanes, poor road conditions, limited visibility, and frequent traffic diversions from congested nearby highways could exacerbate dangers for local commuters.
Another key concern is the impact on prime agricultural land. The site includes a considerable portion of grade one farmland—the most fertile and productive quality available—which is crucial for local food security. Fox underscores that national planning policies discourage development on such valuable land without compelling justification, particularly as ensuring domestic food production becomes increasingly vital.
A spokesperson for JBA Consulting, representing the applicant, emphasized the government’s strong support for renewable energy to meet the Somerset climate emergency. They noted that the proposal had been adjusted following stakeholder feedback to better harmonize with the local environment while delivering important green energy.
The council is scheduled to decide on the future of the solar farm proposal by this summer, weighing the need for renewable infrastructure against environmental, community, and safety considerations.