About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
These site options pages contain the following sections:
Site background
- A broad description of the site, with map if appropriate
- An overview of development proposed or already in progress
- Relevant aspects of planning policy for this site
- The history and status of any planning applications for this site
Options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest one or more possible approaches:
- Keeping existing plans for this site as they are
- Making small changes to our approach, which may allow for changes
- Replacing the approach with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Each option will have a short analysis:
- Opportunities presented by the site option
- Constraints (obstacles which would need to be addressed)
- Mitigations (Measures that would be needed to reduce any harm development would cause)
- Further information we'd need to make a more in-depth assessment of the suitability of the site or option
Policy context note
- Where decisions about this site or option may affect how we approach other sites (or vice versa), we will add a note to explain
Explore this site option
Select a section below to read more.
7.64 The area west of the land allocated for the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone is currently an agricultural field with overhead power lines running across it. While the power lines prohibit other forms of development, the openness and size of the parcel provides an opportunity for developing solar PV at a scale supported by habitat improvement. The adjacent enterprise zone allocation will be a good neighbour to an energy generation facility. The site is classed as being unconstrained land within the renewable energy resource assessment study (RERAS).
7.65 Wellow Brook is a natural edge to any potential development to the south and can be part of an enhanced green infrastructure network. There is an opportunity to create a recreational route along Wellow Brook providing access to the wider area.
Figure 55: Context Plan - West of the Enterprise Zone
- Impact of renewable energy on the surrounding landscape. The proposed PV panels will need to be designed and sited so as to best integrate with the surrounding landscape.
- Transport connections between Midsomer Norton and Farrington Gurney.
- Within the context of the climate emergency and spatial priorities of the Local Plan, there is a requirement within B&NES to provide renewable energy as the current target is not being met.
- Comprehensive landscaping and nature recovery plan.
- Connections to walking and cycling routes.
Option A
7.66 The proposal for this area is to develop the land on both sides of the A362 for renewable energy generation (solar PV). Development of this sort is in keeping with the priority to facilitate opportunities for renewable energy generation to help B&NES become carbon-neutral and nature positive by 2030, and work towards becoming a climate-resilient district. The solar PV would need to integrate with the existing landscape character and improve biodiversity and habitats.
7.67 The solar PV would be located within the existing network of hedgerows and tree belts along the disused railway line and the Wellow Brook. These should be strengthened to fill gaps in hedgerows and help integrate the solar panels into the landscape, making them less obvious in views from existing roads and Public Rights of Way.
Figure 56: Indicative Concept Plan - West of the Enterprise Zone
Opportunities
- Walking and cycling connections between Midsomer Norton and Farrington Gurney.
- Provision of renewable energy to help meet the council’s renewable energy targets.
Constraints
- Landscape sensitivity.
- Adjacent to Wellow Brook.
- Access to the A362.
Mitigation required
- Landscaping plan.
- Buffer to nearby Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) at Wellow Brook.
Further investigation or evidence
- Information on grid capacity.
- Landscape Visual Impact Assessment.