WROUGHTON is set to become home to one of the country's largest solar farms following a government decision.

Sited at the former airfield, the joint application was put forward by the Science Museum and Public Power Solutions, formerly Swindon Commercial Services.

The development, which had strong support from locals, will generate 40MW of power, enough for 12,000 homes.

However, because of its location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there was opposition so the decision and it was left to the Secretary of State Eric Pickles, following an enquiry last September.

James Owen, commercial director with Public Power Solutions, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the very strong support from the local community and politicians across the political spectrum throughout this lengthy process. We’d like to say a huge thank you.

“We’re now looking forward to the next phase, which will be giving local people the opportunity to invest directly in the solar park. We’ll be letting everyone know more about how they can do that in due course.”

Resident Steve Harcourt has long been in favour of the solar farm and welcomed the news.

He said: “I’m delighted with the news and would say it is a victory for common sense. There was always some concern about which way the decision would go but it would appear local opinion has been listened to.

“It is a good use of that part of the airfield because there is nothing there at the moment. It might also help the Science Museum open up some of their collection. There will also be a financial benefit to the people of Wroughton.”

South Swindon MP, Robert Buckland, said: “It will bring great benefits not only to Wroughton but the whole of Swindon. It is something which has been very popular with the community and their hard work will have been a big factor in the decision.”

A community benefit fund for Wroughton will be set up which will amount to around £40,000 a year, for the next 30 years, to be allocated by the community for local projects. Residents will also have the opportunity to invest directly in the solar farm, with a planned minimum investment of just £50, giving them an ownership stake in the project.

The decision was welcomed by council chiefs, who said the decision will go a long way towards their target of getting Swindon producing 200MW of renewable energy by 2020.

Councillor Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan) said: “I hope the government and other local authorities look to Swindon's pragmatic and innovative approach on renewables because it is achieving real progress, and have popular public and political support.’’