MAJOR crashes could be caused by traffic coming and going from a planned solar farm, residents fear.

Anesco has submitted a planning application for a huge solar park in Almondsbury on greenbelt land between Over Lane and the M5 in Parklands.

But people living nearby fear that, with vehicles coming and going from the farm's proposed entrance in Over Lane, there could be "fatal accidents" and that cyclists and pedestrians would be at risk.

However, Anesco says there will be a traffic management plan at the 21-acre farm, which would have more than 16,000 solar panels and could produce enough power for 1,500 homes.

After the developer submitted the plans to South Gloucestershire Council last month, a number of residents wrote to SGC to oppose the scheme.

John Heron, who lives in Knole Park, said: “The access to the field is at a blind pinch point on Over Lane and it will be a danger to cyclists and pedestrians when heavy traffic manoeuvres at the entrance.”

Fellow resident Mark Holloway believes collision data for the area, which forms part of the planning application, is incorrect.

“We know for certain that a serious collision has happened at the entrance of Knole Park within the last 5 years which involved one of the residents.

“Furthermore I have personally gone out after hearing a crash on other occasions and there have been many ‘very near misses’.”

“I know I would be speaking for all residents of Knole Park, when I say that we are incredibly worried that a fatal accident may occur due to the nature of the blind brow and speed of cars travelling in excess of the speed limit.”

A spokesman for Anesco said: “The site is low quality agricultural land. It will provide a safe habitat for wildlife to flourish and will bring increased biodiversity. There will also be enhanced planting and screening of the M5 from the Almondsbury side of the site.

“A comprehensive traffic management plan will be implemented that includes strict timings for deliveries and the routes that are to be taken by site traffic. We will also continue to work closely with the local council and all other parties to ensure that minimal disruption is caused.

“The site is designed to be sustainable in every way. It will be built by local teams, it will create a safe haven for wildlife and we will also be maintaining it for the duration of the agreement, meaning long term employment in the local area.”

A public consultation was held on Tuesday, June 9. Comments on the proposals can be submitted by residents until the consultation period expires on Wednesday, June 17.