Planning permission has been secured for a 50MW solar and battery project near Swindon.
Pegasus Group secured planning permission from Swindon Borough Council for the Corner Copse project, near Stanton Fitzwarren, on behalf of JBM Solar Projects.
Pegasus Group planning director Simon Chamberlayne said: “We are extremely pleased that this application has been approved.
“Our experienced team worked hard to put together a well-considered proposal. We are delighted to support JBM Solar Projects with this major development.
“This project brings significant benefits, primarily through the generation of renewable energy, providing enough low-carbon electricity to power the equivalent of 15,500 homes’ annual energy needs.
“It will make a valuable contribution towards meeting the Government’s long-term net zero targets. The resulting economic investment and ecological and landscape enhancements will also benefit the local area.”
Up to 80 construction workers will be employed on-site during peak times of the construction period, which is expected to be around six months, as well as an additional 106 temporary jobs in the wider economy during the six-month build phase.
The proposed solar farm will involve the temporary change of use of the land.
Due to the time restricted nature of the development, the agricultural use will be retained in the long term.
The site will also be capable of dual use farming during its operational period, with small livestock able to graze the land between and among the panels.
JBM Solar Projects director Brendan O’Brien said: “We are delighted to receive planning consent for our second UK subsidy-free solar-battery scheme.
“This is the culmination of many months of hard work by our development team and marks an important step on the road to developing a large portfolio of JBM projects in the coming months and years.
“It is also gratifying that our Corner Copse project will provide a valuable community benefit, with a commitment to the local parish council to help fund much needed infrastructure in the area.”