Public consultation for solar park

Local residents, councillors and other members of the community have been invited to a public consultation for a proposed solar farm at Shepherds Farm, near Clyst St. Mary.

The consultation will be held on Tuesday 25th February from 6.45 pm to 9 pm at Clyst St Mary Primary School, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1BG and will provide an opportunity for people to view the proposals, provide feedback and meet the developers.

The proposed development, by Wiltshire-based Solstice Renewables, is for a 9.4 Mega Watt (MW) solar park that would generate enough renewable electricity to supply the equivalent of 2,350 average homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 4,000 tonnes annually. The site is close to Exeter which has a growing demand for renewable electricity.

Giovanni Maruca, Director, Solstice Renewables, said:

“We are particularly excited at Shepherds Farm to be doing pioneering work with the landowner and agricultural colleges to make the most of the continued agricultural use of the park. We also hope to be able to supply green electricity to Crealy Adventure Park, which will help them reduce their carbon footprint and enhance their green credentials."

“We’re looking forward to meeting as many members of the local community as possible, and welcome their suggestions for how the scheme could be improved.”

The site is approximately 1.25km south east of the village of Clyst St. Mary and comprises two field enclosures, approximately 16.6 hectares in area. It is already well screened on two sides from surrounding public and residential viewpoints by existing hedging and trees, while a traditional Devon hedge will be planted on the other two sides.