Borough’s solar farm plan causes disquiet in a Cotswold village

WARRINGTON’S plan to buy a huge solar farm in Gloucestershire is causing disquiet in the tiny village that would find itself on the installation’ s doorstep.
Preston, near Cirencester, population just 250, is not opposed to the solar farm in principle – but members of the parish council are concerned that the developers are to renege on a promised £83,000 community benefit windfall.
Members of Preston Parish Council say ownership of the site – and planning consent for the farm – has changed three times since permission was granted in September 2015.
Original developers Big60Million Ltd pulled out after subsidies were withdrawn and the scheme was taken over by a German company, Belectric.
Now it has passed to another company, Rockfire Capital.
Cllr Regine Freyne, who leads on planning matters for the parish council, said: “We have set up four meetings with Rockfire, but they have cancelled them all. They do not appear to want to talk to us.
“It seems to be a case of a big company not wanting to be bothered with a little village.
“When plans for the solar farm were first put forward, residents were opposed to them. But the parish council persuaded them to think again – particularly in the light of the £83,000 community benefit payment we were promised.
“The village needs the money. We cannot afford roof repairs on the church and we need new heating in the village hall.
“There is no doubt the solar farm, in Witpit Lane, will have an impact on the village. But it would be something we could live with if we received the £83,000. We are very worried that the offer is going to be withdrawn.”
When Warrington’s executive board agreed to press ahead with the purchase, members were told the solar farm could be providing power by October next year – saving the council money on its £2.7 million annual electricity bill.
A risk assessment had shown that the initiative was considered to be financial prudent and had no development risk because the council would not purchase the farm until it was completed
The farm would be subject to an environmental study, would be developed to the highest ethical standards and in consultation with the local community. The site had been chosen chosen because of its its excellent sunny location.
Warrington would receive £5.3 million Local Growth Funding monies via the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and £3.386 million of Housing Infrastructure funding from  the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Today, a borough council spokesperson said: “We are grateful for this being brought to our attention and will discuss it with Rockfire as part of agreeing the detail of the deal. While the executive board has approved the solar farm installation in principle we are yet to formally agree the final deal.”
Warrington-Worldwide has attempted to speak to Rockfire but as yet has had no response from the company.