Basingstoke ObserverTHE proposals to build an Industrial Solar Park north of Bramley have been rejected.
The controversial plans were rejected on 20 April by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Development Control Committee by eleven votes to one.
Speeches were heard from both Bramley and Silchester Parish Councils, the Ward Borough Councillor, the Solar Farm Residents Group, and then the applicant.
Overall, the sentiment was that, despite all committee members and all the campaign members recognising the climate emergency and the need for us all to do something, this proposal was in the wrong place and is the wrong size.
In particular they discussed: the damage to our community’s local environment, being the loss of most of the open space north of Bramley; the damage to Silchester’s archaeological environment by inserting concrete piles into the ground and the loss of ability to excavate and explore the Roman Villa for at least 40 years; the fire risk to the ancient woodlands and field crops from the batteries and inverters; the loss of food production capability and the impact on the wildlife, including the deer who roam freely; the 40-year licence is not “temporary” and, for many of the community, this would be for the rest of their lifetimes.
The vote followed a protest march on Saturday 16 April when around 60 residents, including two Roman Centurion reenactors, took to the streets. There were also 684 written objections submitted to local authorities over the plans.
The communities are now discussing how to better embed green energy into Bramley and Silchester.
