Solihull-based solar developer juwi Renewable Energies has announced that it has received planning permission for 7.23MW of new solar capacity.

The company recently won approval for a 5.88MW solar farm in Sherborne, Dorset. The 19-hectare site located close to the A37 in Dorset is predicted to produce enough electricity to power 1,738 local homes every year.

Juwi had to revisit the proposals during the design process to work in exclusion zones for badger setts and the revised proposals included a number of other ecological enhancements designed to help boost local biodiversity. A planning committee from West Dorset County Council voted in favour of the plans following a recommendation for approval; construction at the site is due to begin in 2014.

Juwi also announced that is has received permission from East Lindsey District Council to extend its existing solar farm in Skegness. The company will add 1.35MW of capacity to its existing 8.6MW Hollies Farm installation, taking it up to a 10MW site. Juwi says that the project has been specifically designed to be developed in a level three flood zone. The 1.35MW extension is also due for construction in 2014 and will generate enough electricity to power 364 homes a year.