A PUBLIC inquiry will be held in September when the government will decide whether plans for a controversial solar farm will go ahead in west Dorset.

A 10-day public inquiry will start on Tuesday, September 13.
Last January, West Dorset District Council approved British Solar Renewables’ application for a 24-megawatt solar power station at Rampisham Down.

Following a campaign by Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT), the decision was ‘called in’ by the Department of Communities and Local Government – with the date for the hearing now being set for September 2016.

After the application was approved by West Dorset District Council, the location was designated a Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England.

Dr Simon Cripps, chief executive of DWT, said: “Together with the help of concerned partners like RSPB and CPRE, and members of the public, we have raised serious concerns that undermining the designation of a SSSI is not only harmful for Rampisham Down but also sets a worrying precedent for the protection of similar sites.

“In the case of Rampisham, there is an alternative site which could be used, and which we support fully.

“It is now in our view the government’s responsibility to ensure this protection continues.” 

The developers have continued to carry out research into any impact the solar farm would have on wildlife, and will present the evidence at the public inquiry.

Giles Frampton, business development director at British Solar Renewables, said: “As a result of the consented project being called in it is no longer appropriate that data in respect of the on-going scientific testing at Rampisham Down be released to the general public. 

“British Solar Renewables won’t be making any further statements until the secretary of state has determined the case before him.”