British Solar Renewables (BSR) has submitted plans for the 75MW Rush Wall solar farm in Monmouthshire, Wales.
BSR has already run public consultation to find out what local residents thought about the proposed project, which could supply equivalent to the annual electrical needs of approximately 18,000 family homes.
Detailed assessments have been undertaken that have helped design a scheme that is sensitive towards and compatible with the local landscape and environment, BSR said.
The site is part of an SSSI designated, and a full environmental statement was produced highlighting a range of protections and betterments the development will secure.
The proposed solar park at Rush Wall offers the opportunity for ecological enhancements including management of the rheens and ditches, BSR said.
In addition, a significant parcel of land for lapwing nesting and wintering has also been secured, according to the developer.
The site biodiversity net gain assessment has calculated an up to 75% gain in habitats and 18% in the water habitats demonstrating the positive impact, it added.
Existing hedgerows will also be grown out to contain and screen the solar arrays and no public rights of way will be closed during or after construction under the plans.
The UK government has set an ambitious target of reducing emissions by 78% by 2035.
Renewable electricity generation, including solar, is expected play a key role in meeting this target.
The anticipated CO2 displacement of the proposed site is around 16,000 tonnes a year.


