A huge new solar energy farm on the edge of Swindon looks set to go ahead if councillors vote in line with the council planning department’s recommendation.

Berkeley Farm, which farms dairy cattle in fields in Wroughton, and produces and sells its own milk and produce, has applied to put more than 1,450 solar panels on land behind the houses in the recently built Waytes Close and Lower Close.

The company’s application says the dairy farm will use the energy generated itself, with any excess exported to the National Grid: “The dairy industry is a high energy use sector with the need for refrigeration and food processing operations the main power use elements.

"Berkeley Farm Dairy uses approximately 441,000 kWh of electricity per annum, which is already increasing as a result of the expansion of the electric van and milk float fleet the dairy has invested in.

Swindon Advertiser: The site earmarkedThe site earmarked (Image: Newsquest)

“This proposal has clear benefits for the local community and local economy as it contributes directly to reducing local carbon emissions and will assist in maintaining and potentially growing local employment opportunities as well as maintaining and extending a valuable and high-quality fresh food delivery service using renewable energy powered electric vehicles.”

The application was called in for consideration by the planning committee by the ward councillors at the time, David Martyn, Cathy Martin and Brian Ford.

While Wroughton Parish Council had no objection to the farm’s proposals, some neighbours have expressed concerns to the borough council regarding cabling, the possibility of patterns of flooding caused by rain being diverted from the ground by the panels and the effects on local wildlife, as well as the impact on neighbours of CCTV and the construction of the solar farm.

Swindon Borough Council’s planning officer said in the report to members that the construction will last just six to eight weeks, and adds: “The benefits of clean energy supply to a local small business, reducing CO2 emissions in line with Swindon and central government objective of achieving net-zero emissions, and providing employment and contributing positively to the local economy would in this instance outweigh the limited harm to the landscape and visual amenities of the area.”

The report goes on to recommend the members of the committee approve the plans with conditions.

The committee meets at 6pm on Tuesday June 13 at the council chamber in Euclid Street. Members of the public are entitled to attend.