Bid for solar farm close to playing fields can proceed

PLANS for a large new solar farm near sports fields in a local village can move forward after initial proposals were approved.

- DANIEL MUMBY Local democracy journalist

ILOS New Energy UK Ltd put forward draft proposals (known as a screening request) in late January to erect a solar farm on land between Rodmore Farm and the Evercreech Playing Fields on Pecking Mill Road, at the southern end of the village.

The solar farm would be able to export up to 5.4MW of energy - enough to power between 1,000 and 1,600 domestic properties - with appropriate landscaping being created around its perimeter.

Somerset Council has now approved the screening request - meaning the London-based developer can bring forward more detailed plans in the spring.