Melksham Without Parish Council encourage residents to take part in the consultation on a proposal for a large solar battery storage installation north of Whitley.

This is just the first stage in a series of consultations until an eventual planning application. We understand that the developers of the scheme are still in their fact-finding stage, and are undecided if the best site for the battery storage is near the connection to the Grid at Beanacre or better sited near the solar farms which will be further north in the Malmesbury and Shertston area. Wherever it is, there will still be underground cables connecting the solar farm sites to the electricity substation at Beanacre.

You can find information on their website or attend webinars where you can ask questions. There are a series of drop-in sessions too, and whilst you can attend any, the nearest are in Shaw Village Hall on Thurs 11th April 2 to 6pm and Corsham Town Hall on Weds 10th April 3.30 to 7.30pm. There will also be online community webinars on Wednesday 27 March 17:30-19:00 and Wednesday, 17 April, 17:30-19:00. Zoom - details on how to join can be found at www.limedownsolar.co.uk You can also write or send the feedback form to FREEPOST Lime Down Solar, with no stamp needed. Please also send thoughts on any projects and schemes that any community benefit payments could assist, if the project goes ahead.

Whilst it's important to have your say directly to the solar farm consultation, it would be useful for the parish council to have a copy of your comments and suggestions if possible, to keep them informed of the views of local residents. The parish council will be considering its submission to the consultation at its Planning Committee meeting on Monday 8th April at 7pm at its offices on the first floor of the Campus. All welcome.

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