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UK’s solar projects heat up

Two 50MW solar projects have secured planning permissions this week. The first, being EDF Renewables’ Sutton Bridge solar photovoltaic project, granted permission by South Holland District Council and the second being Pegasus Group’s solar and battery storage scheme near Telford. 

solar farm in field

For Pegasus Group, who are conducting the project on behalf of JBM Solar Projects, who has planning consent for more than 450MW of solar projects to date, Telford & Wrekin Council ‘unanimously approved’ the solar farm and associated infrastructure on land adjacent Roden Lane in Shropshire. The solar park will take around 26 weeks to construct and will have a lifespan of 40 years. 

Chris Cox of Pegasus Group said: “The proposed development will provide a significant amount of renewable energy to support legally binding national targets to reduce carbon emissions, and the Climate Emergency declared by Telford & Wrekin.

“The site has been carefully selected and is not subject to any statutory designations relating to its environmental or historic value.

“The application complies with national and local planning policy, provides many public benefits and avoids any unacceptable impacts.”

Commenting on the large-scape solar project developed by EDF Renewables, solar head Ben Fawcett said: “We are very pleased to receive planning consent for this project which we believe is a great site for solar as it is suitably sunny and has a nearby grid connection.

“Through additional planting, including native species hedgerows we will encourage biodiversity as well as reduce any visual impact of the development.

“We are an experienced developer and we want to work with the communities in the local area to keep them up to speed on the progress of the project.”

“Sutton Bridge is at the forefront of several solar projects we have planned in the UK. Our renewables projects will enable us to contribute to the UK’s green economic recovery from Covid-19 and help the country accelerate to a net zero future,” Fawcett added.

The project team will also explore battery storage and the potential for future electric vehicle charging at the site too.