LOCAL residents and farmers on the Somerset Levels have joined forces to campaign against plans to build one of the largest solar farms in England in their area.

The group, known as SOS Levels, hope to put a stop to a proposal to construct a 591,000 square metre solar farm near the village of Pedwell.

Tim Cann, a leading member of the group made up of around 50 people, claims none of the three parish councils affected by the proposal were consulted by developers Elgin Energy before a formal planning application was submitted.

Ashcott Parish Council, Walton Parish Council, and High Ham Parish Council have all now formally objected to the plans.

If approved, the vast site would be situated on an area of agricultural land.

The SOS Levels group feels this would create a huge eyesore on the largely untouched landscape of the Somerset Levels, with several footpaths already looking down on the land.

“It’s highly visible. You can’t screen it," Tim said.

“The key issue is the impact that is on a beautiful and historic landscape.

“None of us object to solar energy.

"It should be built in another place, like nearer to a motorway.”

Read more: Huge area of Somerset Levels could become one of the biggest solar farms in England

 

Tim, who lives on Pedwell Hill in the village, said it's not the first time that Elgin Energy has tried to construct a solar farm on 'good' farmland.

"The applicant tries to claim that its not good farmland - they did the same thing at Washford, the same applicant made an application in Washford," he said.

"The plan was refused as it was good farmland.

"In Somerset when it's hot and dry in the summer, it's only on the levels that the grass grows, which the farmers like to use for summer grazing.

"A lot of it is grade two or grade three, and government policy goes against using it for solar farms."

SOS Levels' planning lawyer has now objected to the application, alongside Somerset Council's Landscape and Green Infrastructure Officer.

Tim is urging locals to submit their comments on the application by Thursday, April 11 at the latest.

“People should submit their letters of objection or support by the 11th of April through the planning portal.

“We’re gearing up for our next steps. We’re prepared and able to take it further if necessary.”

To comment on the application, search reference 2023/1892/FUL on Somerset Council's online planning portal.

Elgin Energy failed to respond to a request for comment on the campaign group's views.