Agricultural
Date
2021 - 2023
United Kingdom
Crimscote Solar Farm
This 49MW solar-plus-storage scheme based near Stratford-Upon-Avon received planning approval on 22nd November 2022 with energisation by Q4 2024. As environmental effects and sensitivities were identified, the layout of the development underwent a process of optimisation to avoid or reduce potential environmental effects through careful design. The scheme, which generates over 51 MWh of electricity annually, also comprises 3.5 acres of new woodland planting, 7.4 acres of wild bird crop, and 0.65 acres of new wildlife orchard with 16 bird and bat boxes throughout the site which represent a biodiversity net gain of 110%.
Sedgeford Hall Solar Farm
The Sedgeford Hall 21MW solar scheme in Norfolk which will generate up to 23,000 MWh of energy annually received was initially refused consent by Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council on 9th November 2022 however the appeal against the decision was allowed on 23rd August 2023. The planning inspector overturned the decision and concluded that the project “would improve the biodiversity of the site, not significantly harm the wider landscape, would occupy low quality agricultural land and would benefit the farm holding”. The scheme offered a biodiversity net gain consisting of 201% increase in habitat units and 107% hedgerow units above the pre-existing baseline.
Brook Farm BESS
The Brook Farm 50MW/100MWh Battery Energy Storage Project close to Ipswich received planning consent from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council on 16th November 2017. The scheme was built by SMS and energised in January 2023. This was a complex project with the development team overcoming significant land and planning issues caused in part by the new developments being built and permitted around the point of connection. The scheme is designed for storing energy to be used later, exactly when and where it is most required. Such projects are instrumental in increasing domestic production of affordable renewable energy whilst enhancing the reliability and resilience of our grid as we shift towards a low-carbon future.
Defford Solar Farm
Regener8 Power in collaboration with Astra Power generation and Verto Solar successfully developed and consented Croome Solar park a 50MW project which received planning consent in 2021. The site is located within the former Defford RAF airfield on mainly grade 4 land.
Some of main features of the project are the 6 hectares left for skylarks and the collaboration with the local Wildlife Trust to design the site to be organically integrated within the local environmental features