Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

A public consultation has been planned.

It will be held at the new rugby club (opposite Paxcroft Farm) on Wednesday 11th December between 3.00 and 7.00pm.

No doubt much will be made of how these commercial schemes decrease reliance on fossil fuels, protect the environment, reduce greenhouse gases etc. etc.

What will probably not be mentioned is the vast profit which will be made courtesy of the various subsidies paid to the developer and which are funded by us via our energy bills. An article in The Times today estimated rates of return to developers of anything from 8 to 10 per cent for 'renewable plant'.

Mindful of the impact on the local scene, and keen to be seen to assist local 'green schemes', many solar farm developers offer to contribute to a 'community fund' (usually at the rate of £1,000 per annum per Mega Watt produced).

Such a fund for this solar farm could therefore produce £12,000 a year for schemes such as more allotments, a community wood etc. etc.

I would suggest that, if you attend the consultation, you might care to ask if such a scheme is envisaged for Hilperton and, if it isn't, why not?