Renewable Connections has had its plan to build the 50MW Tregonning solar farm in England approved.
Cornwall Council’s Strategic Planning Committee received the plan for the 49.9MW project in January 2022, following a community consultation.
The solar farm, based near Quintrell Downs, Cornwall, was approved by elected members on 16 January following a recommendation for approval by council officers.
The project will displace over 1.1m tonnes of CO2 over its lifespan. In addition, the implementation of a Green Infrastructure Plan will significantly enhance environment and wildlife, including a significant biodiversity net gain of 80.25% for habitat units and 42.34% in hedgerow units.
The scheme will cover 89 hectares of land and construction of the solar farm will involve the installation of photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight directly into renewable electricity.
The company anticipates that construction could commence in 2024.
John Leith, Development Director at Renewable Connections said: “Tregonning Solar Farm will make a valuable contribution towards Cornwall and the UK’s ambitious climate change targets.
“We are very proud of the site and the use of exceptional design to integrate significant ecological enhancements, renewable generation, and agricultural productivity. The feedback from council officers, statutory consultees and local people throughout the submission process, and the support of the landowner, have been invaluable.
He added: “We are very pleased that further to the environmental and biodiversity benefits of the proposal, the land will remain in agricultural use with a grazing license existing on the site for sheep in panel areas. There will also be cereal cropping on approximately 25 hectares of the site, enabling the continued production of food, and support for ground nesting birds such as skylarks.”