EDF Renewables has taken the wraps off plans for the almost 50MW Glassthorpe solar farm in England.
The 49.9MW project, located between the villages of Flore and Upper Heyford along the M1 Corridor, which will be capable of generating enough low carbon electricity for the domestic needs of 9562 households annually, the French developer said.
A number of ecological and feasibility surveys have been carried out and the company is consulting with local people at an early stage about the proposal to get their views ahead of submitting a planning application later this year.
EDF Renewables head of development Stephen Walls said: “This is an excellent site for a solar farm, as it’s suitably sunny, with an agreed grid connection, and the area is well screened.
“EDF Renewables is an experienced developer and we are firmly committed to solar as a technology which will help us accelerate a net zero future where clean energy powers our lives. I
“f we secure planning permission, investments like these will also contribute to the UK’s green economic recovery from COVID – 19. We look forward to hearing the views of local people.”
Existing hedgerows on site will be retained and new ones created as part of EDF Renewables’ plans to improve biodiversity, which include planting trees and new wildflower meadows on once agricultural land.
Residents near to the site are being contacted by post and members of the public are encouraged to visit EDF Renewables’ Glassthorpe website for further information, to register for live online events and to provide feedback. The public consultation closes on 5 July 2021 and EDF Renewables intends to submit a planning application to West Northamptonshire Council later this year.