THE developer of a proposed solar farm at Eglinton has been asked to "undertake detailed consultation" with affected neighbouring landowners in the next step in the possible approval of the project.
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French renewable energy company Neoen wants to build a $200 million, 200MW solar farm on the historic "Cangoura" property off Eleven Mile Drive.
Neoen lodged a scoping report last month as it seeks to get approval for the solar farm as a state significant development.
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Environmental assessment requirements have now been issued, explaining what Neoen will be required to show.
Those requirements include the details of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the solar farm, the suitability of the proposed site and feasible alternatives to the development.
Neoen is also asked to show the "capability of the project to contribute to the security and reliability of the electricity system in the National Electricity Market" and conduct "a soil survey to determine the soil characteristics and consider the potential for erosion to occur".
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The company is also asked to "undertake detailed consultation with affected landowners surrounding the development and Bathurst Regional Council".
"The EIS [Environmental Impact Statement] must describe the consultation process and the issues raised and identify where the design of the development has been amended in response to these issues," the environmental assessment requirements document says.
"Where amendments have not been made to address an issue, a short explanation should be provided."
Neoen introduced the solar farm project at a community session at Eglinton in mid-June and the Cangoura Solar Action Group has since formed to oppose the proposal.
The action group's concerns include the loss of prime agricultural land and trees, the visual impact and the potential to cause erosion.
