Developer submits plans for solar farm in Wiltshire

Renewable energy developer Exagen has submitted plans for a 28MW solar farm in Wiltshire.

The project will be on Swallet Energy Park located south of the M4, between the B4069 and the Swindon to Chippenham railway line.

This marks Exagen’s fifth large-scale renewable energy project of the year and aims to help the council achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.

This submission of plans to Wiltshire Council comes after a period of public consultation and environmental assessment to shape the final design.

Residents had the chance to share their opinions on the development during public consultations in April and May 2023, which featured webinars and a public exhibition.

Feedback from the local community led to adjustments in the plan, such as increased setback distances from listed buildings, the addition of new trees, hedgerows, and wildflower meadows, as well as relocating the access point away from neighbouring properties

Mark Rowcroft, managing director of Exagen Development said: “The planning submission for the Swallett Energy Park is not just a great achievement by the team at Exagen, it’s also a testament to the commitment of Wiltshire Council and local communities to meet net zero goals by providing renewable energy.

“Wiltshire Council is at the forefront of environment and climate change. We’ve taken input from local communities through months of public consultation, as well as from Council officers with discussions focused on landscape, highways, ecology, built heritage and archaeology.”