Livos subsidiary Voltis Renewables has secured planning permission for a 41MW solar project in north-east England.
The West House Solar Farm scheme in County Durham received 105 letters of support and was praised by the councillors for work undertaken with the local community, stated the developer.
“We are thrilled that the Planning Committee has approved our proposal,” said Voltis Renewables director James Madigan.
“Early community engagement and a thorough site selection from our development and planning teams were pivotal in securing both Fishburn Parish Council and Durham County Council’s unanimous decision.”
Voltis closely collaborated with the landowners who stated: “We believe that this project presents a remarkable opportunity to produce electricity locally whilst allowing the land to rest by restoring to grass and allowing us to expand our current sheep rearing enterprises and increase biodiversity across the farm.
“It’s a path that allows us to expand our farming operations, maintain a more sustainable and financially viable approach, and, most crucially, empowers the next generation to make decisions that serve the farm’s best interests”.
Tree and hedgerow restoration will increase screening while providing much needed shelter and food resources for local wildlife.
A species-rich grass mix will be sown across the whole site to encourage soil health while the introduction of a wildflower meadow area will provide a vital resource for local pollinators.
The project will establish a local community benefit fund equating to an annual payment of £15,525 as well as paying standard business rates to contribute to the wider Durham community.
Developed in partnership with Logogen and Aukera, construction will start in 2024.
The operations and maintenance of the solar park will be managed by Aukera which has committed to natural habitat curation and optimal clean energy generation in the UK.