RV Roofing and Building Questions the Impact of Solar Energy Farms on Dorset Countryside
United Kingdom, 14th Aug 2025 – As solar development continues to expand across the UK countryside RV Roofing and Building has raised concerns about the growing number of industrial scale solar farms being planned in Dorset. With recent projects like Voltalia’s 90MW solar farms and Enviromena’s appeal of a rejected 12MW solar project in Hazelbury Bryan – Questions are being asked about how much of Dorset’s landscape will be sacrificed in the name of green energy.
While renewable energy is widely supported across the UK, local businesses and residents in Dorset are beginning to push back against what they see as a growing wave of land-intensive green developments that offer little long-term benefit to the surrounding communities.
A Local Voice Speaks Up
Katy Kates from RV Roofing and Building, a well-known contractor in the region, is voicing what many residents are thinking.
“Some of the highest yielding sites for renewable energy also happen to be some of the most picturesque, which is a shame for Dorset. As if new energy farms like the new one get the rubber stamp from Whitehall we are looking to lose another piece of Dorset land to what some would argue is an economically unsustainable energy source.” says Kates.
Her comments reflect the growing tension between national renewable energy targets and the desire to protect Dorset’s rural identity.
The Projects Under Scrutiny
According to Solar Power Portal Voltalia is planning two new solar developments in Dorset totaling 90MW in capacity while Enviromena is seeking to overturn a planning rejection for a 12MW site. Both projects have faced public scrutiny for their potential visual and ecological impact on the region.
These large-scale farms are often located in open fields and areas of natural beauty due to the availability of space and solar exposure. However this has prompted concern from conservationists, tourism professionals and local companies alike.
Economic Viability and Visual Cost
RV Roofing and Building argues that beyond the visual disruption these projects may not make long-term economic sense without continuous government support. Once subsidies are removed critics fear that such solar farms could fall into disrepair or be decommissioned leaving scars on the landscape and minimal benefit to the local economy.
“Once you take away the subsidies you have to ask whether these projects are truly sustainable” adds Kates. “We support renewable energy but it needs to be done responsibly with communities in mind.”
Alternative Solutions for Renewable Integration
RV Roofing and Building is not opposed to solar energy. In fact the company supports the transition to green technologies and often installs residential solar solutions for homeowners across Dorset. What they do oppose is the rapid industrialisation of green spaces.
Rather than using valuable land for solar farms RV Roofing and Building advocates for rooftop solar integration on homes commercial properties warehouses and public buildings.
“There are better ways to do this” says Kates. “We can integrate solar technology into existing structures instead of sacrificing rural land that contributes to the character and heritage of Dorset.”
Lack of Community Input
Another point of contention is the lack of community consultation. Many residents find out about these large solar projects only after planning applications have been submitted. By that point public resistance is often too late to make a meaningful difference.
RV Roofing and Building is calling for greater transparency and earlier community engagement in the planning process to ensure that local voices are heard before projects are approved.
Preserving Dorset’s Identity
With the tourism economy closely tied to Dorset’s rural charm many fear that solar farms could alter the landscape in ways that are difficult to reverse. Rolling hills and green fields may be replaced with fencing black panels and industrial equipment.
RV Roofing and Building urges decision-makers to consider not just the environmental costs of fossil fuels but also the social and visual costs of replacing farmland and open space with energy infrastructure.
About RV Roofing and Building
RV Roofing and Building is a trusted construction and roofing company based in Dorset United Kingdom. Known for quality craftsmanship and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction the company has served local communities for years and continues to advocate for sustainable yet respectful development in the region.
Media Contact
Organization: RV Roofing and Building
Contact Person: Katy Kates
Website: https://rvroofingandbuilding.co.uk/
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Country: United Kingdom
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