Old quarry site at Crossways to turn into solar farm (From Dorset Echo)

Old quarry site at Crossways to turn into solar farm

4:30pm Saturday 27th August 2011 in News

AN OLD quarry site at Crossways will be transformed into a solar farm providing power to 1,200 homes.

Councillors gave the go-ahead for plans outlining a photovoltaic park at Crossways Pit in Redbridge Road.

The scheme, which was given the green light at a West Dorset District Council development control committee meeting on Thursday, has been proposed by German company Vogt Solar.

It will see 900 frames, each supporting 24 solar panel modules, covering one third of the 27-hectare site.

Richard Murray, planning director for Murray Planning Associates, spoke at the meeting on behalf of Vogt Solar.

He said: “The application is for the installation of 5MW of safe, clean, green energy on the site of a former industrialised quarry.

“The temporary installation will be a nice quiet neighbour with no more than two or three visits a year from a small van to perform regular maintenance.

“We have actively consulted with the community, relevant councillors and councils planning officers.”

He added that two public meetings have been held regarding the planning application where the overall response was ‘positive’.

However, the parish council objects to the plans alongside two nearby residents who attended the meeting to speak against the solar farm.

Resident Richard Evans said he was concerned the development would ‘scar the landscape’, slamming it as ‘out of character’.

He added: “Crossways needs a recreational area. It’s not an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but it’s an area of some beauty, an area that many enjoy for cycling, dog walking and jogging.”

Couns Robin Legg and Tony Frost also raised concerns about the planning application, mainly regarding the possibility of glare being reflected onto the highway from the solar panels. Both couns voted against the plans.

However, Coun Dominc Elliot said he did not see this as an issue and voted in favour of the plans alongside six other councillors. Speaking after the meeting Sue Sutcliffe, business development manager of Vogt’s UK office in Cambridge, also insisted that glare would not be an issue.

She added: “We are really pleased with the result. We have worked hard to work with the community and the local residents.” Mrs Sutcliffe also said the solar farm supported the national aim to move towards becoming less dependent on non-renewable energy and fossil fuels.

"We'll ensure best outcome"

Crossways Parish Council chairman Andrew Brewer said the council did object to the plans but is now willing to work with the developers for the benefit of the village.

He said: “We listened to the arguments made by those who were concerned and after consideration the council recommended that the application be not granted.

“However, now that it has been passed we are committed to work with the developers to ensure the best outcome for our village and its residents.”

He added: “Personally speaking, anything that helps this country’s looming energy crisis in a non-polluting way, I welcome.”