A Planning application has been filed to construct a solar farm in Siggiewi, which application is for the installation of PV panels and the construction of a substation on an infilled quarry.

According to the plans filed, the application would see 2,586 panels installed.

 The Environment and Resources Authority noted that the site is situated outside development zone along Triq Ta’ Wied Hanzir in an area known as Tal-Ibrag, limits of Siggiewi, between Wied Qirda to the north and Wied Rkora to the south.

“Both valleys are recommended to be proposed for scheduling, as Areas of Ecological Importance (AEIs) and Sites of Scientific Importance (SSIs) in the South Local Plan The surrounding areas consist largely of agricultural land, with a number of quarries in the vicinity “

The project constitutes of installation of PVs and the construction of substation on an infilled quarry at 82, Triq Ta' Wied Hanzir, Siggiewi. “In this regards, the case qualifies for the submission of a Project Description Statement (PDS)”.

The ERA noted that the Solar Farms Policy encourages the restoration of suitable quarries, mitigating their negative visual impact and providing an opportunity to generate green electricity. “Restoration of abandoned/disused quarries may also lead to backfilling with inert construction waste, relieving alternative sites. In this regard, the PDS should clearly include details with regard the material and method of infilling of the existing quarry. The restoration scheme shall seek as much as possible the retention of the original landscape. “

The ERA also noted that screening concluded that environmental impacts from the development are unlikely to be significant and the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required.