Controversial Plans for Massive Lime Down Solar Farm Near Motorway Submitted

Plans have been submitted to construct an extensive ‘solar factory’ across a vast area of Wiltshire countryside. Lime Down Solar Park Limited proposes a 500 megawatt solar farm north of the M4 near Malmesbury, promising enough renewable energy to power approximately 115,000 homes.

If approved, the development would cover a staggering four miles in width and two miles in depth. The solar panels would reach 4.5 metres tall—the equivalent height of a double-decker bus—marking a UK first for panels of this scale. Additionally, several battery storage systems would be part of the facility, with one battery installation planned to stand as tall as a five-storey building.

A 20-kilometre cable corridor, 60 metres wide, would connect the site to the Melksham substation, running underneath the M4 motorway and the Bristol-to-London railway line.

The project has drawn sharp criticism from local Wiltshire councillors who will not have direct jurisdiction over the decision. They describe the proposal as an “industrialised solar factory” that threatens to permanently alter the rural landscape.

Martin Smith, councillor for Sherston—one of the communities encompassed by the proposed site along with Hullavington and Stanton St Quintin—expressed strong opposition, warning that the project would create an “industrialised landscape” and a “permanent scar on the county’s countryside.” Smith also voiced concerns about the developer’s owner, Macquarie Group, citing past controversial financial dealings, and noted significant benefits to a small group of landowners, some from aristocratic backgrounds.

Given its vast scale, the project qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. Consequently, the final planning approval falls under the authority of the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband.

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed receipt of the application from Lime Down Solar Park Limited. A decision on whether the application can proceed to examination is expected by October 17.

The application process will unfold over multiple stages, likely extending beyond a year before any construction might begin:

Pre-examination: Appointment of one or more inspectors to review the proposal. Interested parties must register to participate during this approximately three-month phase.
Examination: The examining authority evaluates the project, posing questions to the applicant and registered stakeholders, including official bodies and those whose land is affected. This stage can last up to six months.
Recommendation: Preparation and submission of a written report to the Secretary of State within three months of the examination’s conclusion.
Decision: The Secretary of State reviews the report and issues a final decision within three months.

Even after a final decision is taken, legal challenges can be pursued in the High Court, which may review the case for potential judicial proceedings.