Leigh Delamere Solar Farm 

The planning application was approved by Wiltshire Council on 11th August 2022. You can view the decision notice and other documents on the planning portal via this link (reference number PL/2021/06100).

CONSTRUCTION

We expect to start building the solar farm from summer 2026. Construction is expected to take approximately 12 months.

In the meantime there may be other activities on site including technical site investigations, ecological and landscaping work. We are committed to minimising disruption and to keeping the local community fully informed as the project progresses.

Once full construction dates and details are confirmed, we will notify nearby residents and businesses directly via a mail drop.

To register in advance for email updates please contact: LeighDelamereSolar@edenrenewables.com

SUPPLIER REGISTER

We are compiling a register of local suppliers, particularly for accommodation and transport services. If you are a local business that would like to be involved please let us know by email to LeighDelamereSolar@edenrenewables.com

PROPOSED TRAFFIC ROUTE

To find out more about the proposed construction traffic route for the solar farm, please use this link.

KEY FACTS & community benefits

With growing competition for land for food production, biodiversity and carbon reduction and sequestration, Leigh Delamere solar farm is an exemplar of multifunctional land use which combines these three objectives. 

• Land south of the M4, near Leigh Delamere

• 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 13,800 homes

• Approximately 20,000 tonnes CO2 saved each year

• Adjacent to the Motorway services which may benefit from the energy generated for provision of ultra-high-speed electric vehicle charging hubs 

• Biodiversity net gain of over 54% for habitat units and 52% for hedgerows. Our approach to biodiversity 

• Bridleways and footpaths crossing the site will be retained

• Existing hedgerows and trees will be retained and allowed to grow for screening the panels

• New hedgerows and trees will be planted along the northern boundary, next to the M4, and the public rights of way, for additional screening and biodiversity benefits, and in other areas of the site

• Wildflower meadows using native species will be created across the site

• Farm land considered to be moderate quality

• Agricultural use to continue with sheep grazing

• Areas of archaeological interest identified in the southwest and centre of the site have been excluded from development proposals to preserve the remains

• Bifacial solar panels on single axis trackers and fixed tilt, with battery storage allowing power to be distributed when it’s needed most

• Annual community benefit fund of £17,500 index-linked plus an educational benefit fund of £3,000 per year will deliver over £800,000 in community benefits for lifetime of project

• Temporary use of land for 40 years after which the planning permission will expire and it will return to its original use

• Access via Sevington Road. We have submitted a construction access route and traffic management plan which will be the safest and least disruptive to local residents.

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

• No statutory designations on land 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.