Nearly 300 acres of land near Potterne, south of Devizes, have been earmarked by developers to become solar farms.
Just over a year ago plans were submitted to Wiltshire Council for a 49.9 MW solar farm to the south of Potterne Park Farm, and just months later a second application was lodged for One Tree Hill, to the east of Blounts Court Farm.
This planned 70-acre farm has sparked major opposition with many concerned about the impact on the historic lone tree that stands on the picturesque hill.
A decision is nearing on both developments, with another round of consultations currently underway following the submission of new documents.
The council expects to decide on the Potterne Park application by February 28, while the One Tree Hill proposal could be determined by February 7.
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One Tree Hill (Image: Potterne Solar Action Group) The Potterne Solar Action Group has been battling against both developments with some significant support from other residents.
“It’s been a really hard year of struggle for the community, fighting off these, frankly, mercenary projects,” said spokesperson Steve Holt.
“We already have six solar farms around a five-mile radius of Potterne, and these are low visibility.
“We are already doing our bit for solar power, we now need to do our bit for farming, protecting our countryside and safeguarding the wildlife that lives here.”
The group feels that both sites are unsuitable for solar development and is fundraising “for a long fight ahead.”
Mr Holt added: “Everyone knows we need renewable energy but not at any cost.
“Protecting the global environment should not be used as a reason to trash the local environment – that is not planning policy.
“We are not against solar, but these two projects are in the wrong place.
Potterne Park Valley (Image: Potterne Solar Action Group) “One tree Hill is an iconic and much-loved feature of our landscape and Potterne Park Farm sits in a beautiful untouched valley that can be seen from all around.
“Both sites have been farmed for generations and are intrinsically part of our rural landscape. These are not hidden projects.”
ADAS Planning, which submitted the One Tree Hill application on behalf of developer Greenfield, previously said the scheme would provide “significant, long lasting, and wide-ranging” public benefits.
This would include enough renewable energy to power 10,000 homes.
Potterne Solar Project Ltd, the applicant for the other project, says there is an “urgent need” to replace coal fired power stations and emphasised the environmental benefits of the scheme would “far outweigh” any impact from the panels.