RES has submitted a planning application for a 49.9 MW solar farm in Hertfordshire, aiming to generate enough power for around 15,000 homes.
Dubbed the Beane Solar Farm, RES says that its latest project focuses on increasing biodiversity and enhanced screening measures to minimise visual impact. It’s hoping that these factors will help it pass the planning phase, something that hasn’t been a guarantee for many renewable projects across the UK.
According to RES, the Beane Solar Farm could contribute to net zero carbon emission goals by offsetting more than 760,000 tonnes of CO₂ over its 40-year operational life. The company says that the site has been designed to accommodate agricultural grazing alongside renewable energy generation, with features including wildlife corridors, native hedgerows, and wildflower meadows. The company forecasts a biodiversity net gain of 98.40% in habitat units, 189.90% in hedgerow units, and 10.19% in watercourse units.
Stakeholder and community feedback helped shape the final design, RES says, with solar infrastructure having been removed from part of the southwest of the site to make way for skylark plots, while further setbacks from neighbouring residential properties have been introduced. The proposal also includes energy storage to increase flexibility and generation opportunities.
Construction traffic and access have also been taken into account, with RES proposing routes that reduce heavy goods vehicle volume on rural lanes and make use of existing agricultural access points.
“One of the key points raised during local consultation on this project was the need for natural screening and biodiversity. We’re pleased to be able to propose a scheme that not only continues to support agricultural use but is expected to deliver significant biodiversity benefits alongside clean, low-cost energy generation,” said Jonny Wilks, Development Project Manager for RES.
“We thank those that provided feedback during our pre-application process and hope that the revisions we’ve made since showcasing our preliminary design demonstrate how we’re able to balance energy generation, agriculture and ecology.
“The changes we’ve made to our construction traffic and access plan have been informed through engaging early and constructively with the local community, which shows just how vital feedback is during the development process.”