Thatcham solar farm plans approved

Up to 300 homes could be supplied with green energy after plans to install 7,000 photovoltaic modules on the site of a former gravel pit at Limberlost Farm, off Crookham Common Road, Thatcham, were approved by West Berkshire Council. The plans have been submitted by Reading-based Anesco on behalf of Tadley resident Wendy Brant.
The solar panels will be mounted on concrete blocks as a condition that the land is not drilled into because of its previous use. The site was used as a gravel pit then in-filled from the 1960s to 1993.
The development will be temporary for a period of no more than 25 years, after which it will be returned to its current condition, so the proposals are fully reversible.
There will also be a security fence around the perimeter of the development, which will be screened by a five-metre landscaping hedge. The plans also include to install a substation on the land.
A statement by the applicant, Anesco, said: “The proposal will assist West Berkshire in moving towards meeting national targets in addition to reducing carbon emissions.”