Amended proposals have been unveiled to develop a government-backed solar farm on a previously designated travellers’ site in Glastonbury, Somerset. Originally part of the £23.6 million Glastonbury town deal funded by the UK government, the area north of Porchestall Drove was set to host off-road accommodation for the non-traditional housing community. However, the travellers’ site plan was abandoned in July 2024 after the land experienced repeated flooding during the winter months, rendering it unsuitable.
In response, Avalon Community Energy has submitted revised plans to install a solar farm covering approximately 1.2 hectares of the site. The ground-mounted panels are expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power nearly 500 homes. The design includes a new access track along the eastern edge and protective hedgerows around the perimeter to shield both the solar array and nearby residents.
A spokesperson for Mott MacDonald, representing the applicant, emphasized that the solar installation will occupy only the northern portion of the field and will be sized proportionately to minimise its environmental and visual impact. Avalon Community Energy, a key participant in the Glastonbury town deal, has already committed £2.8 million to a range of clean energy initiatives across the town—including rooftop solar installations on commercial buildings in the Beckery area.
Despite these ambitions, local residents have voiced concerns about the site’s flood risk. Joseph Thomas, a nearby homeowner, noted that the field routinely floods during heavy rainfall and warned that raising land levels to protect the infrastructure could redirect floodwaters to adjacent areas, potentially endangering local roads, businesses, and homes. He also highlighted safety concerns regarding electrical equipment exposed to floodwater, cautioning against potential hazards to people and wildlife.
Somerset Council is expected to review and decide on the detailed plans by the year’s end. Given deadlines tied to the town deal’s funding—mandating all projects be initiated by March 2026—approval could lead to rapid commencement of construction. The town deal board has also reported support from National Grid for a potential electrical connection south of Porchestall Drove, which would facilitate the solar farm’s integration into the local energy network.