A proposed solar farm on the historic Bridgwater and Taunton Canal has been scaled back following input from local residents and environmental concerns. IBV Fordgate Solar Ltd. initially applied in late August to develop a solar farm spanning 94 hectares (232 acres) of active farmland at Fordgate Farm, located in the hamlet of Fordgate within North Petherton parish.
The original plan would have placed solar panels along a visible stretch of the popular Somerset Space Walk towpath, frequently used by dog walkers and cyclists. However, after feedback and consultations, the developer—based in London’s Cheapside area—has revised the design. The panels have been moved further away from the canal, and an entire northern section prone to high flood risk has been removed.
The updated solar farm will occupy the western side of the canal between the Saturn and Uranus markers on the Somerset Space Walk. The northern boundary now ends near the future site of a Hinkley Point C campus in Huntworth village. Access to the site will be via Park Lane, close to the planned North Petherton medical centre.
READ MORE: Seven Somerset GP Surgeries to Merge After Christmas
Once operational, the solar farm is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 13,500 homes—roughly one-third of Bridgwater’s population—for the next 40 years. The site consists entirely of Grade 3b agricultural land, which is suitable for arable farming though somewhat limited by its wet, low-lying location near various watercourses.
The adjustments were unveiled at a public drop-in session held on November 18 at Moorland and District Village Hall. Following discussions with the Environment Agency, the northernmost development area within Flood Zone 3—representing the highest flood risk—was removed, eliminating planned solar panels north of Park Lane.
Furthermore, the panels’ eastern edge has been set back from the canal, with additional planting and landscaping proposed to reduce visual impact and enhance the natural environment. A spokesperson for the developer stated, “Since submitting our environmental impact assessment, we have significantly reduced the scheme size and relocated panels away from the canal. A comprehensive landscaping scheme will screen the farm’s edges, and a community benefit fund will support local initiatives.”
Community members attending the drop-in have suggested potential uses for the community fund, including installing solar panels on village halls, supporting green home improvements, and upgrading nearby pumping stations.
A formal planning application will be submitted to Somerset Council in early 2026, with a decision expected by early summer. If granted approval, construction could begin shortly thereafter, aiming for the solar farm to be operational by summer 2027.