Permission granted for solar park spanning 160 football pitches near Chippenham
The site will house enough solar panels to power 9,400 homes
Last updated 23rd Jan 2026
Planning permission for a solar park equivalent to the size of 160 football pitches near Chippenham has been approved by a government inspector today after Wiltshire Council initially refused the application.
The Swallett Energy Park project, led by Exagen Development Limited, will consist of solar panels mounted on frames across an 114-hectare site between Christian Malford and Dauntsey. The park is set to include spaced-out rows of panels, each reaching a maximum height of 3.1m, alongside new infrastructure such as a 33kV substation connected via underground cables.
When complete, the renewable energy park will generate enough electricity to power 9,400 homes, according to Exagen.
Plans for the solar park had been denied by Wiltshire Council in March 2025 after concerns were raised about its impact on the surrounding landscape and nearby heritage sites. Exagen appealed the decision in September 2025, leading to a public inquiry on 16th December 2025, with a site visit taking place the previous day.
Planning inspector finds limited visual and landscape impact
In overturning Wiltshire Council’s decision, planning inspector Ben Plenty highlighted that the development would work within the existing field pattern of the area. He concluded that enhanced hedges and tree groups would retain the structure of field boundaries and ensure the proposal would have a "largely non-invasive and restorative impact" on the local landscape.
Concerns were also raised about the visual impact on nearby listed properties, including Malford House and Great Ridgeway Farm, both dating from the 1700s. The inspector acknowledged the visibility of the solar park but noted that this impact would reduce from “major” to “moderate” after 15 years once landscaping efforts mature.
He further addressed concerns about tourism, stating there is insufficient evidence to suggest the development would affect visitors, local businesses, or canal users in the wider area.
Mixed responses
More than 50 letters of objection were submitted against the Swallett Energy Park proposal, including opposition from Christian Malford Parish Council.
A decision on the plans came after a one-day hearing in December and was formally published today, 22nd January 2026.