The grid connection and substation location is in Bourne. We will work with National Grid Electricity Distribution to connect the site to the substation in Bourne. All cabling associated with the grid connection will be underground. The application area will be approximately 67 hectares and planning permission will be sought for a period of 40 years, after which the land will be returned to its current use.
We have engaged with South Kesteven Planning Authority and a range of other statutory consultees, including the Environment Agency.
We would like to engage with the local community to seek your views.
WHY SOLAR?
The UK government passed laws to end 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 the most popular renewable technology and is a clean source of 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
- Proposal will mean agricultural activities can continue on the site
We intend to submit our planning application at the end of June of 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 panels 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.
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.
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 feedback 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 with the application process.
Please note all design feedback should be provided by the 5th June 2024 however you can get in touch at any time using the details below. Stantec have been appointed to collate all feedback and support with the planning submission.
