Solar farm plan for Membury

The proposed site is within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)at Hadley Farm.
The application proposes the erection of 3m high photovoltaic panels arranged in south-facing rows, accompanied by inverter units and control panels.
The harvested energy will be fed into the national grid.
The proposed development is on land which forms a 27.83 hectare section of the redundant, former Second World War Membury Airfield.
There are several homes are near the site.
However, the applicants - national solar farm developers Orta Solar Ltd - state: “The site is not clearly visible from any residential properties within the area and, as such, the impact on residential amenity would be low to zero.”
They point out that, due to the nearby, active airfield, the land can not be used for keeping livestock
The application continues: “The solar farm offers a suitable use for the site as has been demonstrated by similar solar developments around the world next to active airfields.
“Brownfield sites of sufficient area are rare, but poorer quality agricultural land in remote areas with little visual impact is a good alternative. The development is temporary and can be decommissioned quickly and easily after the 25-year life span, returning the land to its original full agricultural use after the decommissioning period during the 26th year.”
The applicants point out that the project, as submitted to planners, follows a consultation period including a public meeting held last June in Wioodland St Mary Village Hall.
The proposal goes on to state: “Following the public consultation the applicant also directly consulted neighbouring land owners.
“The final design for the scheme has been formed to accommodate many suggestions put forward by interested parties.”
No decision date has been set for a final ruling on the application.
Meanwhile, interested parties can leave comments by visiting West Berkshire Council website’s planning section and using the reference 14/00385/COMIND.