2021-02-04 Consultation on proposed large Solar Farm off Barkham Ride

Development Watch Alert
Consultation on proposed large Solar Farm off Barkham Ride

As you may be aware, Wokingham Borough Council declared a “Climate Emergency” in 2019 and aims to achieve a net carbon zero borough by 2030. As part of this strategy, the council is consulting on a proposal to build a large (40 hectares) solar farm on existing farmland it owns either side of Barkham Ride. A leaflet giving more details about the proposal is attached.

Comments should be sent to WBC at CommercialProperty@wokingham.gov.uk and Barkham Parish Council are also interested to gather the views of residents so ask that you copy them at clerk@barkham-parishcouncil.org.uk

Comments should be submitted by Friday 26 February 2021 and will be used to help shape the final designs for the new solar farm.
You will also be able to submit your comments as part of the planning process once the planning application is submitted in forthcoming months.

Issues you may wish to consider include the following, on some of which WBC gives its views in the leaflet:
• Impact on biodiversity/wildlife
• Impact on countryside views/panoramas
• Loss of farmland
• Preservation of rights of way
• Existing and additional tree planting/screening
• Noise and additional works traffic during development of the solar farm
• Proximity to existing buildings such as St James’ Church and Church Cottages
• Financial benefit for WBC (additional income)
• Contribution to alleviating the “climate emergency”

There is also an argument to be made as to whether development of a solar farm and consequent loss of green space should mean that the threat to Barkham of more large housing developments in the future should be reduced. However there is no direct stated connection between these two issues.

More background to WBC’s Climate Emergency plans can be found at
https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-and-meetings/open-data/climate-emergency/ 

Kind Regards
BVRA