Wiltshire Council approves thousands of solar panels for MOD Lyneham site

Thousands of new solar panels are set to be installed at the Ministry of Defence site in Lyneham after Wiltshire Council approved plans for a major renewable energy project.

The approved scheme will see 3,582 solar panels installed at the military base, helping to power a new technical training school and accommodation block currently under construction.

The application was submitted by the Secretary of State for Defence as part of efforts to improve sustainability and reduce energy costs at the Wiltshire site.

Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish Council raised no objections to the plans but highlighted concerns about potential flooding and drainage issues. The council requested that appropriate measures be put in place to protect surrounding areas from surface water flooding.

Wiltshire Council's drainage officers also stressed the importance of managing flood risks during both the construction phase and the long-term operation of the solar installation.

In response, the Ministry of Defence submitted a drainage strategy outlining how water management and flood mitigation measures would be addressed.

The project forms part of a wider move towards renewable energy across Wiltshire, where several solar developments are currently being considered.

Other proposals include plans by the National Trust to install around 300 solar panels at the historic Stourhead estate. Meanwhile, larger solar projects, including the proposed Lime Down Solar Farm near Malmesbury, have generated significant public debate.

Supporters of solar developments say they help reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security, while critics often raise concerns about the impact on rural landscapes and local infrastructure.

Construction timelines for the Lyneham solar panel project have not yet been confirmed.