The 49.9MW solar farm near Quintrell Downs will be installed across 89 hectares of land with construction expected to commence in 2024. Image: Pixabay.
A 49.9MW solar farm near Quintrell Downs was approved by elected members of the Cornwall Council yesterday (16 January), following a recommendation by Council officers.
Application plans for Tregonning Solar Farm were submitted by solar and battery developer, Renewable Connections earlier this month and include a Green Infrastructure Plan detailing plans for a biodiversity net gain of 80.25% for Habitat Units and 42.34% in hedgerow units.
The photovoltaic panels will be installed across 89 hectares of land with construction expected to commence in 2024.
“Tregonning Solar Farm will make a valuable contribution towards Cornwall and the UK’s ambitious climate change targets. We are very proud of the site and the use of exceptional design to integrate significant ecological enhancements, renewable generation, and agricultural productivity. The feedback from Council officers, statutory consultees and local people throughout the submission process, and the support of the landowner, have been invaluable,” said John Leith, development director at renewable Connections.
“We are very pleased that further to the environmental and biodiversity benefits of the proposal, the land will remain in agricultural use with a grazing license existing on the site for sheep to graze in panel areas. There will also be cereal cropping on approximately 25 hectares of the site, enabling the continued production of food, and support for ground nesting birds such as skylark.”
Renewable Connections have had a number of solar projects get the green light this month including the 49.9MW solar farm in Kingston on Soar approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council.