25MWp Warwickshire solar farm receives unanimous Council approval

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council (NBBC) have unanimously approved planning proposals for a 25MWp solar farm north-east of Coventry.

The Tolldish Hall Solar Farm plans were submitted by renewable technology operator, Innova Renewables, which is currently developing a combined solar and energy storage capacity portfolio of 23GW.

The 34 hectares of land on which Tolldish Hall Solar Farm is set to be built on will initially continue to be used for grazing by the land owner, disclosed Innova.

Accordig to the renewable operator the solar farm’s capacity will deliver an “initial” 25MWp suggesting that there is scope for growth, although this has not been confirmed.

“As a local resident to the site, I am particularly excited to have secured planning permission for this solar farm which will help get Coventry, Nuneaton and the surrounding area closer to net zero,” said Ryan Adams, managing director of development at Innova.  

“Early community engagement and thorough site selection from our planning and business development teams were paramount to securing this unanimous decision.”

“Given the recent UN statement confirming this as the hottest global summer on record and the need to take immediate action to tackle climate change, this site is especially important as it can be generating renewable energy in 2024.

“We would like to thank our consultant team and the Council for making this timely decision possible.”

Counsillor Richard Smith, cabinet Member for planning and Regulation at NBBC added: “The Tolldish Hall solar farm, is a fantastic and very positive development for Bulkington and the surrounding area, I was delighted to be able to speak in support of the application when it came before the planning committee recently.

“Not only will this facility produce enough clean energy to fuel over 7,000 local homes, the well thought out ecology plan will see new native hedgerows, hedgerow trees and areas of native woodland planted and the existing pastureland covering the site will also be enhanced with species-rich grasslands and wildflower meadows planted.

“All of this fits well within the land surrounding the historic Tolldish Hall Farm and will support the sustainability of the Farm over the 40-year lifespan of the facility.”