Amherst County board rejects solar farm proposal just outside of town

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The Amherst County Board of Supervisors has denied a proposal for a large solar farm located a couple of miles outside of town.

The decision, made last week, resulted in a 4 to 1 vote against the project, which was proposed by OneEnergy Renewables. The land in question is currently zoned for residential agricultural use.

Board of Supervisors Chair Claudia Tucker said that decisions on solar projects are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as location and environmental effects. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all. We don’t want it to be a one-size-fits-all,” Tucker said.

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Over the past five years, the county has approved three solar projects and rejected two. Tucker said that an ordinance established in 2019 provides guidance when evaluating solar farm proposals.

Explaining the board’s decision, Tucker said, “Typically, we will follow the guidance from the planning commission. In this particular one, we listened to the petitioner, listened to adjoining landowners. It was our opinion and our strong feelings that the proximity to the Buffalo River was too close.”

Tucker emphasized that the Buffalo River serves as a drinking water source for the town of Amherst. The board’s concerns centered on potential erosion and runoff that could affect the river.

ABC 13 reached out to OneEnergy Renewables and is waiting to hear back.