Following the submission of the application in June 2025, the project management team reviewed the representations received from residents, statutory consultees and other stakeholders, including landscape and cultural heritage comments.
A key theme raised throughout this process was the potential visual impact of the proposed development, particularly in relation to views from Monk Sherborne and the Monk Sherborne St John Conservation Area, including listed buildings within it, as well as the surrounding National Landscape, formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
In response to this feedback, the project has been significantly redesigned to further reduce its visual effects.
The proposed amendments include:
- An 11% reduction in the overall size of the solar farm.
- The reinstatement of a historic hedgerow using native species, helping to restore the historic landscape pattern and provide additional screening. The hedgerow will also enhance biodiversity by providing wildlife corridors, diverse food sources and multi-layered habitats for a range of species.
- Improvements to sections of the Camino Way within the project site boundary, together with a commitment to its ongoing maintenance, enhancing accessibility and the experience for users.
These amendments have been developed in direct response to feedback received during the planning process and are intended to reduce the potential effects of the development on the surrounding landscape and heritage assets.