BRADLEY ROAD
SOLAR FARM
Renewable Connections has received consent for a ground mounted utility scale solar farm with capacity up to 43.7MW alongside a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility with up to 10MW capacity to the north-west of Waltham, North East Lincolnshire (known as the ‘Bradley Road Solar Farm’).
Once operational, the project would supply enough power for up to 17,694 homes in the first year of generation and make a valuable contribution towards tackling the climate emergency in Lincolnshire and the wider UK.
QUICK FACTS
8,260 tonnes
of CO2 saved annually
45,385 megawatt hours supplied each year
Equivalent annual energy needs of up to 17,694 homes
These figures are calculated using the following references. Last updated 22/06/23
- https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/subnational-electricity-and-gas-consumption-summary-report-2021
- https://www.nationalgrideso.com/news/britains-electricity-explained-2022-review
Please note that these figures are representative of the first year of generation only. As new renewable energy projects are built, the electricity grid will de-carbonise and the relative carbon dioxide emissions avoided per year will reduce. This and all of Renewable Connections projects make a positive impact towards the UK’s net-zero targets
LOCATION
The proposed Bradley Road Solar Farm comprises a number of agricultural fields located north of Barnoldby le Beck, which is approximately 500m distant at its nearest point. The site is partially bounded to the east by Bradley Road. Waltham is located approximately 280m to the south east. Bradley Road runs north-south to the east of the Site. There are farm buildings, associated with Netherwood Farm, located between Bradley Road and the Site.
The total site area is approximately 125ha in size and located in open countryside. The site falls entirely within the administrative boundaries of North East Lincolnshire Council.
OUR PROPOSALS
If installed, the solar farm will have a capacity of up to 43.7 MWp alongside a 10MW BESS facility and will be operational for up to 40 years. After that time, all of the installation will be removed and the land restored to how it was before, but with improved soil health and biodiversity due to being left fallow. The power generated will be exported to the grid via a substation connecting to existing powerlines which run through the site boundary.
The solar panels will be installed in rows which run east to west through the site. These rows will be tilted towards the south to capture the maximum amount of solar irradiation possible. The total height of the panels will be no more than 3m above the ground with a gap of more than 0.8m above the ground at its minimum.
Small electric cabins will be located amongst the panels and these will be accessed by a network of crushed stone tracks which will run through the site. All of the panels will be surrounded by a security fence to protect the equipment from large animals and unauthorised users entering the site. CCTV cameras will be located periodically around the site perimeter for security and will face inwards.
The development will also involve additional landscaping including hedgerow planting and improved biodiversity management. The main areas of the site are currently pasture and arable land with low ecological value; however with the implementation of a biodiversity management plan the site will be significantly enhanced for biodiversity by creating a range of new habitats, offering food and shelter to wildlife.
PROJECT DOCUMENTS
PROJECT TIMELINE
STAGE 1
Site selection
Spring 2022
STAGE 2
Preliminary Surveys
Winter 2022
STAGE 3
Pre-application
Spring 2023
STAGE 4
Community Consultation
Spring 2023
STAGE 5
Submission
Summer 2023
STAGE 6
Construction
2025+
THE NEED FOR THE PROJECT
Following the Government’s declaration of an “Environment and Climate Emergency” in May 2019, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) advised that to meet ‘Net Zero’ targets, the UK will require substantial amounts of new, low carbon power sources to be built before 2050, up to four times that of today’s levels.
North East Lincolnshire (NEL) declared their own climate emergency in September 2019 acknowledging that urgent action is required to limit the environmental impacts produced by the climate crisis. NEL’s Carbon Roadmap sets out ambitious goals to be carbon neutral as an organisation by 2040 and to make North East Lincolnshire carbon neutral by 2050.
Solar is one of the cleanest, lowest cost forms of energy available. The Bradley Road Solar Farm would make a meaningful contribution to Lincolnshire County’s energy needs by delivering green electricity to the equivalent of up to 17,694 homes in the first year of generation.
FAQ’s
Why this location?
This site has been identified following extensive site selection across North East Lincolnshire which took into account environmental designations, local electricity network access and capacity, the physical characteristics of the site, and a supportive landowner.
Will there be any impacts on local roads?
For a period of approximately 6 months during construction, there will be deliveries of equipment to site. Renewable Connections will put in place measures to manage impacts of construction traffic and these measures will be included in a Construction Traffic Management Plan that will be submitted with the planning application. There will be infrequent maintenance visits to the site during operation.
Will there be any permanent impact?
Solar farms are temporary and the land will be fully reinstated to farmland once the equipment is removed at the end of the project life. The land is not brownfield land, and is not able to be converted into residential or commercial development following the decommissioning of the site.
Does solar pose a health risk?
No – solar is a passive technology which doesn’t produce any harmful by-products. The BESS facility has integral monitoring and fire suppression with a remote shut-down capability.
How long will the project be there?
The development proposes a life span of up to 40 years from commencement of generation. No later than this, the development would be decommissioned, and the site returned to solely agricultural use. A decommissioning plan will be provided with the planning submission.
Are solar farms noisy?
No – solar farms are not noisy, producing no more than normal background levels of sound similar to wind or distant traffic beyond the site boundary. The BESS facility contains a number of measures to mitigate against increased noise levels.
What are the benefits to the local community?
Renewable Connections is committed to maximising benefits for the Local Community. We will establish a Community Benefit Fund and support local good causes. The project will incorporate a range of ecological and wildlife enhancements on site.
GET IN TOUCH
bradleyroadsolar@renewableconnections.co.uk
0800 254 5011
Bradley Road Solar Farm,
LDN:W,
3 Noble Street,
London,
EC2V 7EE
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