Plans for a 35-acre solar farm at Kilmersdon have now been received by Mendip District Council. Local residents have been voicing their concerns over the loss of agricultural land, currently used as grazing for organic dairy cattle and the visual impact should the development go ahead.

The protests have also seen residents from the Radstock area become involved, as the land in question stretches out towards the Haydon boundary. Kilmersdon villagers have set up the Jack and Jill Hill Preservation Society and have been calling on both Radstock Town Council and B&NES Council to co-operate in any way they can with Mendip District Council.

The solar panels would be eight foot high, with security cameras on site, and could be in place for up to 25 years. Protesters say that they are not against 'green' energy, but would prefer to see panels placed on brownfield sites instead. Applicants, INRG Solar, supported by development consultancy, Pegasus Group, say that the land could be returned to its former state and additional planting will counteract any visual impact on the landscape.

Kilmersdon Parish Council have now arranged for a public viewing of the planning application documents on 9th July, with discussions at the monthly Parish Council meeting to follow on 15th July. Both meetings will be taking place at the village hall – everyone welcome. Ward Councillor, Edward Drewe, and County Councillor for Mendip North West, Harvey Siggs, have both been invited to attend. For more information, visit: http://www.jackandjillhillpreservationsociety.org">www.jackandjillhillpreservationsociety.org Mendip District Council will be accepting comments until 20th July.