Forest Gate Solar Farm 

With growing competition for land for food production, biodiversity, and carbon reduction and sequestration, Forest Gate solar farm is an exemplar of multifunctional land use which combines these three objectives. After construction, up to 20% of the solar farm will be owned by the local community, greatly increasing the financial benefits for the local economy.

CONSTRUCTION

We expect to start building the solar farm from September 2025. Construction is expected to take 6 to 9 months.

During the construction phase, there may be some temporary disruptions, including increased vehicle movement and noise. We are committed to keeping these impacts to a minimum and will share further details closer to the start date. This will include a mail drop to local residents who may be affected and the opportunity to register in advance for email updates.

Grid connection route

The application for the cable route which will connect Forest Gate solar farm was consented in March 2025. The proposed route can be seen in the map to the right.

• Cables will be buried underground for the full length of the route, so there will be no visual impact.

• No trees would be removed and any disturbed land would be restored to its previous condition so there will be minimal ecological impact.

• The application mostly avoids the built-up area of Chippenham and does not require digging up any roads, to minimise disruption.

• The majority of the cable route is within agricultural fields or the embankment alongside the old Calne - Chippenham railway cycle track (NCN 403) which will be kept open at all times.

SOLAR FARM - KEY FACTS

The planning application was approved by Wiltshire Council in March 2023.

• Land north of the A4, east of Chippenham, at Forest Gate (postcode SN15 3RU)

• Installed capacity: 49.9 MW

• Low cost power generation helps to bring down the cost of electricity for everyone

• Electricity generated equivalent to the consumption of approx 13,300 homes

• Approximately 19,000 tonnes CO2 saved each year

• Biodiversity net gain of 18% for habitat units and 16% for hedgerows.  Our approach to biodiversity 

• New buffer 25-30m wide comprising a mix of mature and fast-growing trees and hedgerow planting along the boundary with A4 will provide effective and immediate  screening, boost biodiversity and absorb carbon

• Diverse grassland and wildflower areas using native species will be created 

• Moderate quality land will continue in agricultural use with sheep grazing  

• Temporary use of land for 40 years after which it will return to original use

• Easy access via existing field entrances on the A4

• Grid connection point at Chippenham sub-station where capacity has been secured

• No statutory designations such as Green Belt or AONB

• Eden is committed to an ethical, transparent, environmentally sustainable supply chain and is a signatory to SE-UK’s industry supply chain statement.

Community benefits

• New permissive footpath around the perimeter to provide a circular walk and a safer walking route along the A4 

• Community and educational benefit funds totalling £800,000 for the lifetime of project (£20,500 per year, index-linked)

• Shared ownership/community investment opportunity (up to 20%) through Zero North Wiltshire & Bath and West Community Energy; expected to generate additional community funds over £2 million for project life.

• For more information see the case study in Regen’s Best Practice in Community Engagement guide published May 2025, page 29.