Protesters argue that the Lime Down Solar Park project, aimed at producing 500 megawatts of clean energy, will mar extensive stretches of the landscape near the historic Fosse Way, an ancient Roman road.
A portion of the farm will be situated on the Duke’s expansive 52,000-acre Badminton estate in Gloucestershire, as well as on land in a triangle formed by the market towns of Malmesbury, Tetbury, and Chippenham.
Dubbed “Bunter of Badminton,” the 71-year-old Duke, valued at around £300 million, maintains a close relationship with the 75-year-old monarch, whose private residence is located nine miles away.
Tracy Ward, the Duke’s former spouse, is among those raising objections to the initiative, which is currently in the consultation phase.
“I am strongly against all large-scale solar parks,” she stated.
“Solar panels should be installed on rooftops, alongside highways, or on industrial sites.
Land ought to be utilized for agriculture, not solely for the profit of a select few landowners, manufacturers, and investors.
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Asserting that the project “will harm the area for local hikers and equestrians, tourists, and biodiversity,” she cautioned, “We must be wary of what climate change alarmism might lead us to accept.
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Lime Down Solar Park contends that it would “contribute to government objectives of attaining net zero emissions by 2050” and could potentially supply “sufficient clean and affordable electricity to power approximately 115,000 households.
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Given that the proposed development’s capacity exceeds 50 megawatts, the project falls under the category of a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.
This means that approval for the scheme will need to be granted by Claire Coutinho, the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, rather than Wiltshire council.
Alex Frost, CEO of the UK Tote Group, is among the residents of the affected village of Sherston who have voiced opposition to the plans.
He remarked, “This is not about a ‘Not In My Backyard’ mentality.
The local community here is actually very supportive of renewable energy, but the government's own guidelines stipulate that such developments should be situated on brownfield sites, not greenfield areas.
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Highlighting the agricultural nature of the land in question, adjacent to the scenic Fosse Way, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, he emphasized the need to preserve its rich ecosystem.
He further noted its proximity to Highgrove.
Amid concerns that farmers have been offered rental rates exceeding £1,000 per acre annually for their land – five times the usual agricultural returns – he stressed, “While we recognize the importance of solar farms, this process should be thorough and well-considered, rather than a scenario where farmers are enticed by cash incentives.
It’s a complete mess.
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Opponents also fear that once the purpose of the solar farm is fulfilled, the development, spanning three and a half square miles with 14-foot-high solar panels encircled by security fencing and floodlights, could be repurposed for housing.
The developer of Lime Down, London-based Island Green Power, is reputed to have developed over 1 gigawatt of renewable energy assets, primarily in the UK and Spain.
Chaired by Bertie Ahern, the taoiseach of Ireland from 1997 to 2008, the company counted Amber Rudd, the former energy and climate change secretary under David Cameron, among its past directors.
Rudd had served as an Island Green Power consultant from September 2021 to June 2022, despite opposing solar panel installations in her Hastings and Rye constituency in 2019 due to concerns about the impact on the natural environment.
Rudd clarified that she had no affiliation with Island Green since her departure two years ago, shortly after Macquarie Asset Management announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in the company.
James Gray, the local Member of Parliament, who opposes the scheme, attributed its imposition on his constituency to “Wall Street hooligans” and believed that a British firm would engage more respectfully with the local community.
Natasha Worrall, the development manager, expressed confidence that the project would “enhance and enrich local wildlife by achieving a net gain in biodiversity.
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She stated, “We are committed to responsible land usage and believe that the establishment and operation of large-scale farms can peacefully coexist with their surroundings.
“Additionally, we believe that communities in close proximity to the proposed site should reap benefits from it.
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A spokesperson for the Duke of Beaufort stated, “The estate’s decision is based on commercial considerations and is in alignment with government guidelines that prioritize the development of low-carbon infrastructure like solar farms as a critical national objective.
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A representative from Buckingham Palace declined to provide a comment.