Proposed solar farms 'could power 29,000 homes'

Plans have been revealed to build two new solar farms in Wiltshire.

Belltown Power said it has earmarked the Mount Pleasant site in Wanborough and Hoopers Pool in Southwick for the developments.

The company says the two sites will meet the energy needs of almost 29,000 homes.

A public meeting is being held in Wanborough's Sports Pavillion later to outline the Mount Pleasant plans, ahead of a formal planning application being submitted.

An online webinar to discuss the Hoopers Pool development will be held on 26 March at 18:30 GMT.

Ben Thorne, from Belltown Power, said that if approved the solar farms would not only provide "much-needed renewable energy" but would help support the local councils to meet their "net zero carbon emissions targets".

According to the company's website, both the 150-acre Mount Pleasant site and the 120-acre Hoopers Pool site could still be used for agricultural purposes, such as grazing sheep.

It also states that the "proposals are temporary" and after 40 years the land would be returned to its original use.

Planning applications for both solar farms are expected to be submitted to Wiltshire Council and Swindon Council by early summer.

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