New solar farm could power up to 1,600 Somerset homes
Developers want to build the site near playing fields on the edge of Evercreech
A large new solar farm could be built near sports fields in a growing Somerset village if new plans are approved.
ILOS New Energy UK Ltd. has put forward initial proposals 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 London-based developer has stated in its draft proposals (known as a screening request) that the solar farm could provide enough power for up to 1,600 UK homes.
Somerset Council is expected to make a ruling on the screening request in the early-spring.
The solar farm would be accessed from Rodmore Road using the existing entrance to Rodmore Farm, with the panels being installed on a single field south of the local waste water treatment plant operated by Wessex Water.
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.
Several public rights of way which run through the site will be retained, with the prospect of some being enhanced if either Evercreech Parish Council or Somerset Council’s rights of way team deemed it necessary.
The facility will have an operational lifespan of 40 years (although this could be extended) – after which the panels, gearing equipment and ancillary infrastructure must be dismantled and the fields returned to their original condition.
A spokesperson for ILOS said: “The proposal would include a package of landscape and biodiversity benefits that could include the installation of barn owl boxes, bird breeding boxes, beehives, log piles, and other hibernacula such as small, buried rubble piles suitable for reptile species, amphibians, and insect life.
“Land between and beneath the panels could be used for biodiversity enhancements and seasonal grazing.
“Existing vegetation surrounding the site will be managed appropriately and would continue to deliver biodiversity enhancements by providing green ecological corridors.”
One other solar farm is currently in operation within a mile of the site – the Pylle solar farm either side of Easton Lane, which was approved by Mendip District Council in January 2015.
Somerset Council (which replaced the district council in April 2023) is expected to make a ruling on the screening request in the next few weeks.
If approval is granted, more detailed proposals are expected to be submitted by the summer.