Solar farm scheme given go-ahead despite protest

A controversial solar farm has been approved for good quality agricultural land in North East Somerset - as councillors were told they had to balance the need for farmland with the need for clean energy.

- John Wimperis Local democracy reporter

The new solar farm just east of Paulton will generate enough electricity to power 3,210 homes a year. But some locals have questioned whether it will be worth losing quality farmland, as 60% of its 15.64-hectare (38.65 acre) area will be on grade 3a agricultural land, considered some of the “best and most versatile” for arable, after grades one and two.

But applicants PACE said that the land was currently used for beef production - and that sheep would be able to graze around the solar panels with the plans under a “tried and tested” design.

PACE development manager Luke Shackleton said: “Growing up on a beef and sheep farm myself in Somerset, I can assure you that our proposal is of no threat to food security. Cattle and sheep are very similar in terms of food conversion rate.”

As well as the solar panels, the plans would see 49 shipping containers installed on hardstanding, including 36 to provide battery storage, so power could be saved for when most needed.