A NEW solar farm will be built near a popular Somerset dog-walking route near the A303 after plans were unanimously approved.

Solar South West Developments Ltd. applied to create a new solar farm on Merryfield Lane in Ilton, which lies a short distance from both the A303 near Ilminster and the A358 heading to Taunton.

Somerset Council’s planning committee south (which handles major applications in the former South Somerset area) met in Yeovil to discuss the plans on November 28, with concerns being raised about the safety of local residents and the quality of the agricultural land being built upon.

But despite these concerns, councillors voted unanimously to grant approval, provided steps were taken to keep construction traffic and noise to a minimum.

The planned solar farm lies on the northern edge of Merryfield Lane – a short distance from Ilton Cricket Club, which recently secured planning permission to extend its clubhouse on Copse Lane.

While sheep are currently grazed on the site in the winter months, the soil is deemed too stony to grow root crops, reducing its value to the current tenant farmer.

The Crewkerne-based developer has promised to maintain the public right of way (which links Merryfield Lane to Church Road) and will restore the land to agricultural use at the end of the solar farm’s 41-year operational lifespan.

Councillor Jo Roundell Greene, whose South Petherton and Islemoor division includes the site, raised concerns about the plans when the council’s planning committee south met in Yeovil on November 28.

She said: “Merryfield Lane is very narrow, and it is a very, very well-used dog-walking lane – people walk up and down there a lot.

“If there is an accident and somebody gets hurt down there, it will be very serious.”

Councillor Sue Osborne (who represents the adjoining Ilminster division) said: “Merryfield Lane is narrow, not in the best condition and quite popular with locals.

“We need a road condition survey done – that needs to be made explicit in the planning conditions.”

Councillor Henry Hobhouse (who represents Castle Cary and the surrounding villages) added: “We need to have a condition that the land will be in a better condition when they finish than it is now.

“We’ve also got to ensure that the transformer building is properly sound-proof, because that is the only noise you’re going to get off a solar installation.”

After around 40 minutes’ debate, the committee voted unanimously to approve the plans – meaning construction could get under way early in the new year.