Pub owner warns of "devastating" impact of proposed solar park
Developers of Lime Down Solar say it could power over 100,000 homes via the national grid
A Wiltshire pub owner is warning of the devastating consequences approving plans for a 2,000 acre solar park could have on his business.
Freddie Spickernell owns The Vine Tree in Norton, which is in the heart of the proposed Lime Down Solar Park area.
The project, which developers say could power over 100,000 homes, is being examined by the Planning Inspectorate, who heard directly from people about their views on the scheme last week.
Island Green Power, who are behind the proposal, also say the renewable energy could ease reliance on imported fuels, the price of which can be influenced by events across the world.
Freddie said the project could have a massive impact on his pub, which he says is in a beautiful location.
"It's going to be completely surrounded on every angle by four and a half metre high solar panels if the plans are approved, so it's not going to be a very attractive place to come," he told Greatest Hits Radio. "We've got beautiful grounds, People walk there on weekends, cycle, cycling's big around Norton. it's just not going to be an attractive place to come."
Pubs already struggling
Freddie revealed that hundreds of pubs are closing each year, to the detriment of local communities. "People meet there, people visit them, and they're incredibly important," he said.
He added that massive solar panels surrounding his establishment could see customers driven away to rival businesses.
"The thing with pubs is there's always another one down the road. So competition's incredibly important. And if one's surrounded by solar panels and the other one isn't, people will go to the one that isn't surrounded by the solar panels," he said.
He stressed that he's not against renewable energy, but that this project is all wrong.
"I support renewables, but, as we all know, there are millions of different options when it comes to renewable energy. So fundamentally, this is just the wrong site and it's on the wrong scale. And it's going to be devastating."
Campaign group Stop Lime Down is calling for other businesses in the affected area to share their concerns about the project with Wiltshire Council for them to be given to the Planning Inspectorate.
Because the scheme has been deemed a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, the Secretary of State will have the final say on whether it can go ahead.