Belltown Power has officially submitted a temporary planning application for Mount Pleasant Solar Farm to Swindon Borough Council.
The site is 0.7 miles east of Swindon and 1.2 miles north of Wanborough.
Ben Thorne of Belltown Power said: “We’re determined to deliver affordable, reliable renewable energy for Swindon while enhancing biodiversity and investing in the local community,”
“Mount Pleasant is about more than energy production—it’s about nurturing nature and creating long-term value for local residents.”
The proposal involves constructing a 35 megawatt AC solar farm across approximately 150 acres of land. If approved, the applicants say, it would supply clean, renewable electricity sufficient for over 16,000 homes per year over a 40-year operating term.
Belltown Power intends to maintain ongoing agricultural use, allowing sheep grazing to continue beneath the solar panels. At the same time, the project includes substantial ecological enhancements: retention and strengthening of existing hedgerows, tree planting, establishment of wildflower meadows, and installation of bird boxes, bat roosts, insect hotels, beehives, and mammal gates.
These measures are designed to ensure a biodiversity net gain of 49 percent, nearly five times the national standard.
A community benefit and education fund totalling approximately £680,000 is at the heart of the proposals.
This funding, the applicants say, will support local initiatives such as conservation projects, improvements to community facilities and educational resources.
A community orchard, outdoor classroom and picnic area will also provide residents and school groups with opportunities for outdoor learning and engagement.
Economically, the project is forecast to generate around £2.2 million in business rates for Swindon Borough Council over its lifetime.
Full details of the proposal can be found at mountpleasantsolarfarm.com
Ben Thorne of Belltown Power said: “We’re determined to deliver affordable, reliable renewable energy for Swindon while enhancing biodiversity and investing in the local community,”
“Mount Pleasant is about more than energy production—it’s about nurturing nature and creating long-term value for local residents.”
The proposal involves constructing a 35 megawatt AC solar farm across approximately 150 acres of land. If approved, the applicants say, it would supply clean, renewable electricity sufficient for over 16,000 homes per year over a 40-year operating term.
Belltown Power intends to maintain ongoing agricultural use, allowing sheep grazing to continue beneath the solar panels. At the same time, the project includes substantial ecological enhancements: retention and strengthening of existing hedgerows, tree planting, establishment of wildflower meadows, and installation of bird boxes, bat roosts, insect hotels, beehives, and mammal gates.
These measures are designed to ensure a biodiversity net gain of 49 percent, nearly five times the national standard.
A community benefit and education fund totalling approximately £680,000 is at the heart of the proposals.
This funding, the applicants say, will support local initiatives such as conservation projects, improvements to community facilities and educational resources.
A community orchard, outdoor classroom and picnic area will also provide residents and school groups with opportunities for outdoor learning and engagement.
Economically, the project is forecast to generate around £2.2 million in business rates for Swindon Borough Council over its lifetime.
Full details of the proposal can be found at mountpleasantsolarfarm.com
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