Aura Power has gained approval for a 55MW solar project from committee members at Darlington Borough Council in the UK.
Burtree Lane solar farm, in Darlington, will nearly triple the existing renewable energy generated in Darlington Borough, significantly contributing towards the Council’s target of reaching net zero emissions by 2040.
Ecological enhancements are included in the design, to improve habitats for wildlife.
These include new hedgerows and trees as well as managed marshy grassland to provide optimal habitat for breeding ground-nesting birds, giving a biodiversity net gain of 46%.
George Wilyman, Planning Manager at Aura Power, said: “This solar farm not only brings significant economic, social and environmental benefits, but provides a strong contribution to local and national carbon cutting targets.
“Although it has been recognised that the proposed development will have some impacts, it has been demonstrated that these will be minor.
“Whilst the public benefits as a result of the development are significant and far reaching.”
The solar farm also includes a Community Benefit Fund of £20,000 per year, equating to £800,000 over the 40-year operational lifetime of the development.
Aura Power looks forward to working with local stakeholders including the Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, who advocate for the railway which runs parallel to the eastern site boundary of the site.
Information boards pertaining to the railway and an improvement to the footpath running through the site are included as part of the solar farm’s proposal.
Construction is expected to start in 2023.
Burtree Lane solar farm is part of a further 300MW of Aura Power’s solar proposals awaiting planning decisions in various locations across the UK.