A proposal for a 120m solar panel array next to the Isle of Wight National Landscape is facing resistance from Calbourne Parish Council and Island Roads.
The local authority and highways service provider have objected to Mr and Mrs Pearce’s renewable energy project with associated infrastructure on land at Dodpits Lane near Chessell, citing road safety concerns.
Installing the double row of panels supports sustainable rural development and contributes to the Island’s low-carbon energy transition, according to a Planning, Design and Access Statement from SJC Town and Country Planning Consultancy.
It says:
“The panels are discreetly positioned to minimise visual impact, avoiding harm to key views and integrate with the natural contours of the site, preserving the countryside aesthetic and respecting the rural character of Dodpits Lane as well as the wider area.
“The proposal avoids harm to priority habitats and supports biodiversity goals…with no impact on hedgerows, trees, or ecological corridors. The installation is reversible and non-invasive, ensuring long-term protection of the site’s historic and environmental value.”
A Calbourne Parish Council spokesperson said:
“The council discussed this application and the accessibility to the site. The council felt the access onto the site was not suitable and were concerned about the visibility when entering and leaving the site and because of their concerns that could affect road users’ safety the council objects to this planning application.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Island Roads said the proposal is seen to pose a ‘highway safety issue’ due to ‘substandard visibility splays’:
“The access is unsatisfactory to serve the proposed development by reason of unacceptable visibility,” the provider said.
The Isle of Wight Council’s public consultation on application 25/01526/FUL finishes on 21st November and a decision is expected on 12th December.
What a bunch of Numpties and NIMBYs…. We need every bit of renewable we can get. Road access will be temporary. Get over it.
NO we don’t it don’t work!!
With how Island Roads operate I’m surprised anyone actually cares about access. It feels like half the Islands roads are always closed, what real difference would this make? Support Solar!
Island Roads don’t operate, they spend more time
sitting in vehicles than working on roads.
Put solar panels on the roofs of industrial buildings before taking fields – which we might need to produce food. Start with the acres of Vesta roof, and all the other industrial buildings on the island. All new build residential properties should have solar panels. You can now get them that look like roof tiles.
New homes do ..but all of it is bollocks..have you seen your bills going down? no because all this wind and solar crap is costing US for bugger all.
putting solar panels over car parks, is also much better than using freen-field sites…