Residents opposing a massive solar farm in the Wiltshire countryside have taken their protest to new heights—literally. On Sunday, campaigners from Stop Lime Down marched to voice their concerns over plans for a 2,220-acre solar farm spanning six locations near Hullavington, Stanton St Quintin, Sherston, and Luckington.
Above the group, a plane towed a banner reading, “No To Corporate Greed – Stop Lime Down,” capturing attention from miles around. Many protestors, donned in red, emphasized they support renewable energy but are alarmed by the enormous, industrial scale of the proposed development.
Hundreds gathered to walk along part of the historic Fosse Way, a Roman road crossing the affected countryside. Their demonstration was one of 25 nationwide protests against sprawling solar farms on agricultural land. Participants mourned the potential loss of a cherished valley and advocated instead for solar panels to be installed on existing industrial buildings, homes, and car parks.
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Local farmer Mike Mitchell voiced his concerns: “I am protesting against all this good farmland being wasted on solar panels when it should be used for growing food.” Resident Sarah suggested, “Solar panels should be placed on car parks and warehouses; we have acres of space that could be utilized effectively.” Another protestor, Piers, warned, “We only get one chance to stop this. Alternatives will soon be available that don’t destroy the landscape.”
The solar project is proposed by Island Green Power, owned by Macquarie Asset Management. The company claims the scheme will generate enough electricity to power 115,000 homes. However, Macquarie’s controversial history, including its tenure owning Thames Water when the utility’s debt ballooned from £3.4 billion to £10.8 billion, has heightened local unease.
Local MP Roz Savage has raised the issue in Parliament, calling the ownership a “security issue.” Speaking in the House of Commons, she criticized Macquarie for prioritizing profits over community energy and environmental protection: “Its business model is simple: build big, move fast and maximise returns, whatever the cost to people, nature or public trust.” Although unable to join the Sunday march, Ms. Savage participated in a fundraising barbecue on Friday and pledged to use “every tool in the Parliamentary toolkit to further this cause.”
Because the solar farm’s capacity exceeds 50 megawatts, it is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, meaning approval rests with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband rather than Wiltshire Council. Despite this, Wiltshire Council has voiced strong opposition, stating earlier this year that converting so much farmland into industrial solar farms gives “good grounds for refusal.”
Island Green Power aims to submit a development application by the end of the year and, if approved, plans to begin construction in 2027. For now, the protestors remain determined to protect their landscape and promote sustainable, community-centered renewable energy solutions.