There are only a few days left (until 21 November) to make comment on the proposed solar park to be constructed on land down Bentham Lane in Purton Stoke.
In principle, the proposal is quite a good one; the location is fairly out of the way, and its potential visual intrusion is probably minor except from one or two directions. It is disappointing, however, that most of the energy generation is unlikely to benefit the nearby community. Even more disappointing is that the applicant maintained (at the exhibition) that most of the construction would be done by foreign labour brought in specifically for the purpose. Much of this construction is fairly straightforward and so there is a loss to the local community again.
I think that these sort of schemes merit support though the permission must be conditioned with two obligations: generated power should go to the community and local labour should be used wherever possible.
To comment on this application, email developmentmanagementnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk quoting application number 13/04872/FUL and the full title: Land at Bentham Farm, Bentham Lane, Bentham, Purton, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 4JB.
The closing date for comments is 21 November.
