Residents of north Wiltshire are mobilizing to oppose a vast solar farm proposed by international developer Island Green Power. Covering an expansive 2,220 acres across six sites near Hullavington, Stanton St Quintin, Sherston, and Luckington, the project marks one of the largest solar developments in the region.
In the wake of the March 2024 announcement, the grassroots group Stop Lime Down swiftly formed to coordinate resistance. To galvanize public awareness and raise funds for their legal efforts, they have organized two key events in early June.
On Friday, June 6, a community barbecue with live music will take place at Sherston Village Hall. Following this, on Sunday, June 8, a Community Walk will commence at 10 a.m., starting location to be confirmed. This walk will trace the ancient Roman Fosse Way, winding through stretches of the countryside directly impacted by the proposed solar farm.
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This event is part of a broader national movement where communities facing large infrastructure projects unite in protest, sharing solidarity across the UK.
Notably, Stop Lime Down benefits from experienced leadership, including Sir Mike Pitt, former CEO of the Planning Inspectorate, environmental scientist Professor Richard Skeffington, and local political figure and broadcaster Neil Hamilton. The group emphasizes it supports solar energy but voices serious concerns about the industrial scale of the Lime Down proposal.
Island Green Power, recently acquired by Macquarie Asset Management, asserts the solar arrays would generate 500 megawatts—enough electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes. The six sites would be linked via underground cables to the National Grid’s Melksham Substation, requiring tunneling beneath the M4 motorway.
The company highlights the project’s role in advancing national and regional goals to decarbonize electricity supply and enhance energy security. They also note plans to mitigate environmental impact through tree screening, hedgerows, and wildflower planting.
Due to its size—exceeding 50 megawatts—the development qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning final approval rests with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, rather than Wiltshire Council.
Wiltshire Council has publicly opposed the development, citing significant concerns about the loss of farmland and the industrial character of the landscape transformation. Island Green Power anticipates submitting its formal application to the Planning Inspectorate later this year.