Energy Plans for giant solar farm get the green light

PLANS have been narrowly approved for a giant solar farm in the countryside north of Bristol which will power around 18,000 homes a year.

- Alex SEABROOK

But the developers faced opposition from local residents and parish councils.

The Cattybrook Solar Farm will be built west of Almondsbury, covering 83 hectares across 23 agricultural fields. Solar panels will generate 49.9 megawatts of energy, and the plans also include access roads, cabling, a control room, a substation, storage containers, a battery compound, two-metre high security fencing and CCTV.

Councillors on the development management committee voted five to four to approve planning permission. However, local residents said their rural homes were being affected by urban sprawl, and the countryside should be protected from development.

Peter Tyzack, chair of the Pilning and Severn Beach Parish Council, said: "I'm here to speak for the residents, those who feel they have no voice against the might of big business. I drove through the lanes again today, just to enjoy them once more, before this development destroys it all forever.