The development is expected to displace up to 11,072 tonnes of CO2 per annum, based on assessments by the former Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS – now replaced by three other UK Government departments).
Coldharbour Farm Solar Park is being developed by British Solar Renewables (BSR), the largest privately-owned, integrated solar developer in the UK, with over a decade’s experience. BSR has, thus far, successfully developed more than 700 MW solar PV over 57 plants.
Coldharbour Farm Solar Park is approximately 160 acres and construction will take 28 weeks. The development will include a series of ecological enhancement measures such as wildflower rich grassland and native hedgerow planting, and the creation of meadow grassland beneath and between the solar panels. These measures will deliver a 49 percent net gain in Habitat Units and a 11 percent net gain in Hedgerow Units.
The UK Government and Torridge District Council have both declared a Climate Emergency in recognition of the need to take urgent action in respect of climate change. As a local authority, Torridge District have committed to a target of net zero carbon emissions from their Council operations by 2030, and for the wider district by 2050.
BSR undertook a period of public consultation in Autumn 2020, to provide local residents and communities information about the proposal and give them the opportunity to provide feedback. BSR took the feedback received from the public consultation period into consideration when creating the final scheme design. Given the consultation took place during the Covid pandemic, the consultation used a range of online and traditional consultation tools purpose built to ensure local people’s voices were heard as best as possible.
“British Solar Renewables is proud to be at the forefront of creating renewable energy responsibly” said Tim Humpage, CEO at British Solar Renewables (BSR). “It's not just about making clean electricity, but also about making the local environment better through ecological improvements. Coldharbour Farm Solar Park is a symbol of our commitment to innovative, sustainable development.”
For additional information:
