CORNWALL COUNCIL GIVES GREEN LIGHT FOR TREGONNING SOLAR FARM
16 Jan, 2023
  • Solar Farm will generate renewable energy for up to 17,000 homes
  • Will support Council’s target of 100% renewable electricity supply by 2030
  • Project brings significant biodiversity net gain of 80.25%

Cornwall Council’s Strategic Planning Committee have given the go ahead for a solar farm up to 49.9 megawatts (MW) that will power up to 17,000 UK homes with clean, home-grown energy.  Renewable Connections, one of the UK’s leading solar and battery developers, submitted the application to the Council in January this year, following a community consultation.  It is anticipated construction could commence in 2024.

Tregonning Solar Farm, near Quintrell Downs, Cornwall, was approved by elected members on the 16th of January following a recommendation for approval by Council officers.  The project will displace over 1,100,000 tonnes of CO2 over its lifespan.  The implementation of a Green Infrastructure Plan will significantly enhance biodiversity and wildlife, including a significant biodiversity net gain of 80.25% for Habitat Units and 42.34% in hedgerow units.

John Leith, Development Director at Renewable Connections said: “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.

He added: “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.”

The scheme will cover 89 hectares of land and construction of the solar farm will involve the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert sunlight directly into renewable electricity.

For more information go to:  www.tregonningsolarfarm.co.uk