JBM Solar, a part of RWE, has brought forward proposals for Chapel Hill Solar Farm, near Malvern in England.
The plans have the potential to generate enough energy to meet the annual equivalent energy needs of over 19,500 and offset approximately 1.7m tonnes of CO2 emissions over the lifetime of the project, JBM said.
The developer is seeking input from the local community to help shape these proposals which will support Worcestershire’s net zero carbon ambitions.
In addition to generating clean renewable energy, JBM Solar is also committed to delivering a minimum 50% biodiversity net gain.
Beehives, bird and bat nesting boxes and wildflower meadows have all been included in the emerging proposals to enhance habitats for local wildlife.
The significant hedgerow and tree planting proposed will not only support new and existing wildlife, but will provide some screening to protect views for the surrounding communities.
A community benefit fund of up to £660,000 has also been included to help finance sustainable initiatives locally, such as rooftop solar on community buildings.
JBM Solar is seeking the community’s thoughts on where it could most benefit from new, publicly accessible space and what it would most like to see.
Furthermore, the project has been carefully designed to ensure that agricultural practices, such as sheep grazing, can take place on 95% of the land once the site is operational.
These temporary proposals will also allow the soil quality to improve during the solar farm’s lifespan and secure future farming opportunities following the site’s decommission.
Development project manager at JBM Solar Bente Klein said: “These proposals are an excellent opportunity to help tackle the climate crisis and deliver on local and national energy targets.
“The UK needs to rapidly increase its renewable energy generation to deliver on its aim to decarbonise the energy sector by 2035, and projects like Chapel Hill Solar Farm will help achieve that aim.
“We are currently in the early stages of the proposals and are looking to members of the community to help shape the scheme.
“We want this scheme to reflect the wants and needs of local communities are very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts throughout this important engagement period.”
The consultation will run until 20 November.