By Laura Enfield | 14th July 2022
A battle has begun over whether a solar farm should be built on farmland in Arlingham.
A full planning application has been submitted to Stroud District Council for the project which would see 120,000 solar panels installed on 150 acres near Milton End.
Campaigners from Save Arlingham from the Milton End Solar Scheme argue the location just "doesn't make sense".
The plot which borders Overton Lane is made up of land from three different owners and is designated for agricultural use.
Campaigner John Ramsden lives close to this site and told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "Obviously I don't want to look the solar panels but I recognise that isn't a valid complaint
"The issue is that it's a necessary function in the wrong place. It's designated protected by our councils and bodies that take care of animals and the land and it should remain protected."
The group has been fighting since word of the project first came to light last year after Munich-based company Kronos Solar submitted a preliminary application for the project.
A Facebook page has garnered 157 members and they are urged to object to the full planning application.
It states the free-standing solar panels are expected to generate 49.9MW of electricity and supply approximately 11,500 household.
A Statement Of Community Involvement was submitted as part of the application using feedback Kronos gathered during public consultation sessions.
One comment said the development would cause "the loss of good agricultural land".
Kronos responded: "The land where the proposal is located is not classified as best and most versatile land because the Agricultural Land Classification is Grade 3b to 4.
"The proposal includes the planting of a species-rich meadow below and around the module tables, and by allowing the land to 'rest' while the solar farm is operational, this allows for the recovery of the soil.
"Nevertheless, the land will continue to serve as agricultural in use because a grazing license will be sought to allow sheep on-site."
Responding to a concern about wildlife disruption Kronos said hedgerows will be maintained, bat and bird boxes will be installed and the fence surrounding the solar farm will start from a height that allows small animals such as badgers and brown hares to pass beneath it.
The application also includes details of a battery storage facility, associated works, equipment and necessary infrastructure for the project.
Arlingham Parish Council has formed a Solar Farm Committee to deal with its response to the application.
It will be distributing questionnaires to the public and holding a drop in session ahead of a meeting where all the information gathered will be discussed. Dates for the drop in and committee meeting are still to be confirmed.
Giles Houlston, head of UK business development for Kronos Solar, declined to comment.
A website for the project states that Stroud District Council has declared a climate emergency and supports renewable energy developments within the context of their local plans.
It said Kronos believes a solar farm fits their local policies and it would simultaneously contribute to the national Net Zero Target.
The application S.22/1371/FUL can be viewed in full here
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