Published: 10 Mar 2023, 12:36
The proposal included a community fund of up to £80,000 as well as creating biodiversity enhancements over approximately 16 hectares of wetlands. Image: Renewable Connections.
Tewkesbury Borough Council has approved a 49.9MW solar farm in Gloucestershire.
The application for Maisemore Solar Farm was submitted in March 2022 by solar and battery storage developer, Renewable Connections.
The proposal included a community fund of up to £80,000 as well as creating biodiversity enhancements over approximately 16 hectares of wetlands.
According to Renewable Connections, Maisemore Solar Farm will also form a “key part” of the Gloucester to Newent cycle route, by creating a new cycle and pedestrian access link.
Construction of the solar farm is expected to commence this year; once operational it will have a life span of up to 40 years.
“We are delighted to have received approval for Maisemore Solar Farm. Councils such as Tewkesbury Borough Council understand that urgent action is required to limit the environmental impacts produced by the climate crisis and many have now declared their own climate emergency,” said John Leith, development director at Renewable Connections.
“There are significant benefits to this scheme, aside from the obvious low carbon, home-grown energy it will deliver. The implementation of a Green Infrastructure Plan will substantially enhance biodiversity by creating a range of new habitats offering food and shelter to wildlife and additional landscaping.
“The project will also see the creation of a new cycle and pedestrian access to link Maisemore to the Over Basin via an existing footbridge across the Leadon.”
Maisemore Solar Farm will be added to Renewable Conections’ growing portfolio which includes a 50MW solar installation in Cornwall and a 32MW solar farm in Abergavenny, Wales.