Since submitting the planning application in May 2024, we have been working collaboratively with statutory consultees in response to their comments as well as taking consideration of updated policy and guidance including the new National Planning Policy Framework and the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. Further information was submitted in support of the application in August, October/November 2024 and January 2025.
In further response to feedback from the planning authority and statutory consultees, we have recently submitted additional further information. The latest submission incorporates a small number of design changes and further information including:
- Relocation of the substation outside of an area of archaeological potential;
- Designated no-dig areas to preserve buried heritage assets;
- A maximum solar panel height of 3 metres (reduced from 3.6 metres) to limit potential visibility;
- Additional visual screening including some 5,000m2 (or 1.2 acres) of native shrub mix. The additional screening will not only benefit in terms of reducing potential visibility but by providing vital resources for a range of flora and fauna. The screening measures are expected to deliver an additional 17% increase in the biodiversity net gain for hedgerow units.
To find out more about the application click here.
Reasons to support the Nuneham Solar Farm proposal
Ground-mounted solar is one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation and is readily deployable at scale.
Capable of producing clean, green electricity for approximately 13,000 homes each year, in turn saving around 20,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions compared to the equivalent fossil fuel generation, each year.
A grid connection offer strategically aligned with the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.
Potential to deliver a biodiversity net gain of 73% for habitat units, 72.79% for hedgerow units, and 24.32% for watercourse units.
Potential to deliver significant inward investment from the construction of the solar farm, through the use of local businesses and services.
Creation of 2.7km of new native species-rich hedgerow and 5000m2 of native shrub mix plus 400m of existing hedgerow enhanced.
There would be no long-term loss or reclassification of Green Belt land from the development which is temporary in nature, and can be returned to agricultural use at the end of the project's life.
Specifically designed to be dual-purpose allowing continued agricultural use in the form of sheep grazing, and the production of renewable energy.