Axminster solar panel plan jumps another hoop

It could produce power for 5,000 homes

Dorset Council has decided not to object to a proposed solar farm close to the West Dorset border between Monkton Wyld and the hamlet of Blackpool Corner.

Parts of the site are within 300 metres of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), according to a company document, and is likely to be seen from the A35 Bridport to Axminster road, the B3165 and the minor road between Blackpool Corner and Axminster.

The 19 megawatt ground-mounted installation with 35,000 panels, transformer stations, tracks, security fencing and CCTV camera could be in place for 40 years, if approved by East Devon council.

Anesco Ltd claims the site would produce enough power for 5,150 homes.

The application is for 69 acres over five fields south of Stammery Hill and New Park Coppice. Most of the site is described as a hill top plateau.

The application has attracted objections, including from the Devon Campaign to Protect Rural England and residents living in the area.

The group says in its objection: “The proposed solar farm would adjoin the existing Newlands solar farm which covers 30 acres. The total area of the two solar farms would be about 100 acres with about 57,000 solar panels.” It claims it will be visible over a wide area.

Sun symbol marks the spot (courtesy: OS Maps/LDRS Dorset)

A Devon council document says there are mid-distance views to the site ranging from 900-1800 metres from locations to the southwest along Lyme Road to the south of Axminster and the western edge of Raymond’s Hill.  The nearest statutory designation to the solar site is the Dorset AONB which is located approximately 0.3 km east of the site.

Among the objections is a claims that extra traffic during the six-month construction phase would be unacceptable in the area,  although others welcome the proposal saying that it will help cut greenhouse gas emissions by providing an alternative to fossil-fuel based energy.