Plans for a massive solar panel farm that could power up to 18,000 homes a year are in the pipeline. If the scheme is approved it would be a significant boost in locally generated renewable energy and aid South Gloucestershire's efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
Luminous Energy Ltd has put forward a proposal to South Gloucestershire Council seeking permission to construct the Cattybrook Solar Farm near Almondsbury. However, the project has faced some backlash, particularly concerning the impact it may have on people riding horses in nearby country lanes.
The council's development management committee is set to make a decision on the application on Thursday, April 17. The proposed solar farm is expected to produce 49.9 megawatts of power, sufficient for around 18,000 homes each year.
Planning officers have advised the committee to approve the plans. A committee report reads: "The proposed solar farm could be considered to be a reliable source of renewable energy which would positively contribute to reducing reliance on some less secure, non-renewable sources of energy."
It adds: "This is pertinent at the time of writing, where global influences and reliance on imported energy have resulted in increased costs."
Spanning 83 hectares, the solar farm would stretch over 23 agricultural fields and include not just the panels but also access roads, cabling, a control room, a substation, storage containers, a battery compound, security fencing standing two metres tall, and CCTV systems.
Two parish councils have raised their voices against proposals for a new solar farm, suggesting it would "blight views".
The narrow country lane earmarked for construction access has sparked further worries, with concerns it can't handle the heavy-duty vehicles required to set up the solar energy site.
Complications also arise from the solar farm's potential impact on equestrian safety. In an advice note to the local authority, the British Horse Society highlighted that the planned access route crosses a public bridleway used by horse riders, risking dangerous encounters with construction traffic.
As the UK endeavours to step up its renewable energy output through solar farms and wind turbines, such initiatives are essential in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change. However, efforts have lagged behind, leaving the nation exposed to abrupt spikes in gas prices and continuing high levels of carbon emissions.
A 'climate emergency' was announced by the council six years ago, prompting a commitment to boost the local production of renewable energy in South Gloucestershire. Despite this, just five per cent of the district's energy needs are currently met by local renewable sources.
In the planning application, the proponents contended: "The proposed development would contribute towards energy security via the reliable supply of decentralised electrical energy and thus affordable bills for householders and business. There is a significant lack of electricity generation in the south west of England relative to demand.
"Most electricity is transmitted from the north of England and Scotland but transmitting electricity over long distances has financial and environmental costs as transmission losses must be offset by increased generation. A community benefit fund of £20,000 every year will be set up for local initiatives - for example to help those struggling with energy bills."
