The grid connection location is on the Kibworth Underground Cable, which passes directly south of the site. . We will work with National Grid Electricity Distribution and the highway authority to determine the exact means of connection into this cable route. All cabling associated with the grid connection will be underground. The application area will be approximately 24 hectares and planning permission will be sought for a period of 40 years, after which the land will be returned to its current use, as arable farmland.
We have engaged with Harborough District Council’s Planning Department and a range of other statutory consultees, including the Local Fire and Rescue Service.
We would now like to engage with the local community to seek your views.
WHY SOLAR?
The UK government passed laws to meet its contribution to global warming by 2050, making it the first major economy to do so. This means that by 2050, the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions will be carbon neutral, improving the environment for current and future generations. Solar is a reliable source of clean, renewable energy. Solar panels operate quietly, and they are also low in height, therefore minimising visual impact.
This proposal supports the UK’s commitment by delivering renewable energy benefiting the local and wider community now, and for generations to come.
WHY HAVE WE CHOSEN THIS SITE?
- Close proximity to a viable grid connection
- Suitable topography and ground composition
- Sits outside all landscape and ecological designations such as National Parks and Sites of Specific Scientific Interest
- Provides opportunities for planting, ecological and biodiversity improvements
- The site comprises predominantly low-grade agricultural land.
We intend to submit our planning application in December 2024.
Our most common questions have been answered below to help streamline the feedback process.
Will the proposal reduce bills for the community?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to buy electricity directly from our company at a discounted rate. The electricity generated by the solar farm will be fed into the grid and will be available to all consumers through electricity supply companies.
However, we welcome community engagement with regards to possible wider community benefits.
Do solar farms make any noise?
There is hardly any noise emitted from a solar farm. The modules themselves do not make any noise but there is some low level noise associated with electrical switch gear and inverters. Any such equipment will be located away from sensitive receptors and a noise impact assessment will be completed as part of the design process, and this will be submitted alongside a planning application.
Do solar farms create glint and glare?
Solar modules are designed to absorb light rather than reflect it. They pose very little risk of glint and glare. We will carry out a glint and glare assessment and submit as part on the planning application.
Do solar farms require a lot of maintenance?
No, maintenance is very limited and usually involves 1 visit per month by two operatives who attend site with a van.
How will fire risk be managed?
Fire risks are inherently rare in BESS projects. The design and implementation of fire controls within the project(s) will be assessed by the relevant emergency services and approved by the LPA during the planning process. Fire response and incident management protocols will be implemented during the construction, operation and decommissioning of the facility.
What are the visual impacts of the development?
Solar farms are inherently low impact when compared to other infrastructure projects. Solar farms are placed in the landscape in locations that minimise visual impact and as part of the planning process we are compelled to assess and mitigate impacts further by sensitively positioning individual components within the site.
What happens at the end of the 40 year term?
The solar farm will be decommissioned and all the equipment will be removed and the site restored to its current condition.
Is it sunny enough in the UK for solar PV to work efficiently?
Solar modules don’t need direct sunlight to operate, and they produce power all year round.
Solar power generation is extremely reliable because prediction of energy generation depends on the hours of sunlight. This predictability also ensures that the energy system is balanced.
Are solar farms good for the environment?
Solar farms support sustainable agriculture, mitigate flood risk, generate new habitats and reduce carbon emissions, also helping air quality.
Solar arrays are set on posts, so the rest of the land is available to establish wildflower meadows and grasslands, support hedgerow growth and/or promote wetland habitats.
Does land used for solar farms reduce our food security?
Solar farms can provide valuable income and diversification for farmers/landowners. The land can still be used for grazing with sheep for example and there can be continued food production on other parts of farm.
Solar farms help regenerate soil quality and help to ensure the availability of high-quality agricultural acreage for future generations.
Industrial farming has over the course of centuries altered the natural composition of the soils. Even on areas of high agricultural quality the land is often materially impacted by the use of modern fertilisers, pesticides and other chemicals. By ‘resting’ the areas and improving the soils ecology the future use of the land is improved.
What are the benefits of battery storage?
Battery Energy Storage Systems, commonly referred to as BESS, are a form of energy storage technology that uses batteries to store electrical energy. These systems are designed to store surplus energy during periods of low demand and release it when demand is high, effectively balancing the grid's load.
BESS plays a crucial role in supporting the grid in several ways. They provide the grid operator with greater flexibility, reliability, and stability. With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, BESS becomes even more essential in managing the intermittency and variability of these sources.
Moreover, BESS also contribute to energy independence and security. They can be strategically located to ensure a continuous power supply during natural disasters or other emergencies, reducing the grid's vulnerability to disruptions.
Is battery technology safe?
Battery units are made of lithium-iron phosphate, which is a well-established technology and material found in a range of electrical devices including mobile phones.
Each battery container has a cooling system and battery management system to ensure it operates within safe parameters. The planning application will be referred to local authority consultees to ensure it is safe.
What will happen to the footpaths, trails and bridleways?
Local residents will still continue to enjoy access to all public footpaths, trails and bridleways during and after construction.
Your opinion is valuable to us so we would really appreciate your thoughts and feedback via the form below. Alternatively, please use the contact details in the footer at your convenience. Any data you provide will not be used for any other purpose than to keep you informed on the application process.
Please note all design feedback should be provided by the 25th October 2024 however you can get in touch at any time using the details below. PWA Planning Ltd. have been appointed to collate all feedback and support with the planning submission.
