Solar Farm Proposed for Land Originally Designated for Traveller Accommodation

New proposals suggest that land previously allocated for a travellers’ site might instead be developed into a solar farm. This land was initially intended for an off-road accommodation site for the “non-bricks and mortar” community in the Glastonbury area, a project forming part of the £23.6m town deal financed by central government. Somerset Council had proposed plans in mid-2023 to establish this site on its land north of Porchestall Drove; however, these plans were abandoned in July following two instances of the site becoming “a lake” during a single winter. Subsequently, local energy firm Avalon Community Energy has presented preliminary proposals for a solar farm at the same location, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. These initial proposals, submitted as a screening request, indicate that approximately 1.2 hectares (3 acres) of the site would be utilized for ground-mounted solar panels. These panels are projected to produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of just under 500 homes, according to the proposals. Furthermore, the proposals specify that the area between the solar panels and the adjacent road would be dedicated to achieving biodiversity net gain, and a new access track would be constructed along the eastern boundary of the site. Avalon Community Energy has participated in the Glastonbury town deal from its beginning, with £2.8m allocated for the implementation of clean energy initiatives throughout the town. These initiatives encompass a ground-mounted solar farm and the installation of solar panels on commercial building rooftops within the Beckery area. A spokesman for RenewEV, representing the applicant, said: “As a community-owned asset, the solar farm will generate electricity, with any surpluses being recycled back into the community through a community benefit fund.”It is the client’s intention to sell the electricity produced to the local community via a local supply scheme.”The typical operational lifespan of the solar PV is 30 years. The site will be insured appropriate to industry standards.”At the end of the life of the project, the site will be restored back to its former state.”The proposal is fully reversible so that any visual impacts are temporary in nature and the land can be restored following relatively minor decommissioning works.” Should the screening request be approved, Avalon Community Energy anticipates submitting a formal planning application in January 2025. A decision from the council is then expected by the summer. In July, Council deputy leader Liz Leyshon announced that town deal funding would be allocated for acquiring different land within the town to provide accommodation for gypsy and traveller communities. She commented: “Hopefully, the first piece of land is in the final stages of purchase and then we’ll be looking at what we can do there. It’s really not easy work, it’s fair to say.”Everybody I speak to in Glastonbury says; “We need a travellers’ site,’ and then they go on to say: ‘But not here.'”That is, I’m afraid, not specific just to Glastonbury.”