Renewables developer Evolution Power has submitted a planning application to develop a 50MW solar and energy storage project near Luton Airport.
The Wandon End Solar project will have a maximum export capacity of 49.9MW of renewable electricity.
The 106-hectare site is approximately 1 km north of the eastern end of the runway at Luton Airport.
As the application site comprises land across two local planning authority areas the full planning application for the development has been submitted to North Herts District Council and Luton Borough Council.
Once validated the application will be placed in the planning section on the Council’s website and should be determined by the Council’s Planning Committee in early 2023.
Around 60 hectares will be used for solar infrastructure, while around 42 hectares will be designated for areas to enhance local biodiversity or allocated for recreational use, with the remaining four hectares related to the electricity cable connection route.
Removing the land from intensive farming, combined with a range of ecological enhancements such as new hedgerows, new trees, wildflower meadows and bird and bat boxes, will result in a biodiversity net gain that is over 15 times the legal requirement, Evolution Power stated.
The project will generate renewable energy through photovoltaic panels which will be connected into the national grid via a nearby substation in Luton, while the energy storage facility will be able to supply electricity at times of peak energy demand and ensure the solar power generated provides a stable and reliable addition to the UK energy supply.
Conor McNally, Director of Evolution Power, said: “We held a public consultation during the summer, including two local community events. As a result of this consultation significant revisions were made to the design, in particular to remove fields close to Mill Way to reduce the visual impact.
“In addition to a £15,000 per annum inflation linked community benefit fund for the 40 years of the project we will also offer to install rooftop solar to properties that are identified as being directly impacted by the development at zero cost.”
The development represents 0.7% of the designated Green Belt in North Herts but will provide enough renewable energy to offset the usage of around 28% of North Herts households, with appropriate areas remaining available for the grazing of sheep.
McNally added: “This location was chosen as one of few areas of North Herts where grid capacity is available nearby, whilst also providing the opportunity to provide low cost renewable energy directly to local large employers, including Luton Airport and Vauxhall Luton, which will provide additional economic benefits and help secure ongoing employment.”