A Somerset cheese business will soon be able to produce its food using greener energy if plans for a new solar farm are approved. Barber’s Cheese has been producing high-quality cheddar cheese since 1833 from its base at Maryland Farm on Smith’s Lane in Ditcheat, halfway between Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet.
Communities for Renewables, which is based in Cornwall, has applied on the company’s behalf to build a new solar farm on agricultural land to the east of Ditcheat, which will provide renewable energy to the business and neighbouring properties. Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the proposals before Christmas – meaning construction could begin early in the new year if approval is granted.
The planned solar farm will be created a short distance from the busy A371 and the River Alham, which joins the River Brue several miles to the south-west. Under the plans, up to 7,200 photovoltaic panels will be installed using an access from Wraxall Road, with the power being transported to the business via underground cables to reduce the impact of the landscape.
Fencing will be erected along the perimeter and CCTV installed to protect the technology. including the transformers and associated switchgear which will allow it to be connected to the National Grid as needed. The solar farm is expected to generate 3.5GW of energy, of which 90 per cent will be consumed by Barber’s – saving the equivalent of 925 tonnes of CO2 per year, or the annual driving emissions of 200 people.
In addition, a community fund will be set up, with around £10,000 being provided every year for local causes in and around the village.
A spokesman for Atlas Planning (representing the developers) said; “The proposed solar development will make a meaningful contribution to the supply of renewable energy and will accord with national and local planning policy and guidance which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“It aligns with the government’s support of the transition to a low-carbon future, and the dairy farm is provided power most sustainably to demonstrate a commitment to achieve ‘net zero’ by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. There is minimal impact of the solar array on the landscape, and heritage assets of the amenity of neighbouring properties due to the planned mitigation in the form of new and improved planting on the site.
“There will be an opportunity for biodiversity enhancement due to the lack of human activity on the site for the lifespan of the development providing wildlife benefits.” Ditcheat Parish Council has recommended approval of the plans, with parish clerk Pam Griffiths stating: “The proposal will be of benefit to the parish in assisting in reducing the carbon footprint.
“It is well thought out and there is plenty of detail in the application to assist in decision-making.”
Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the plans before the end of the year.
It is not presently clear whether this decision will be taken in public by its planning committee east (which handles major applications in the former Mendip area) or through the delegated powers of its planning officers.
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