The project, Sheenhill Solar Farm, is located approximately 1km northwest of the village of Honeybourne. Downing Renewable Developments is inviting feedback from the local community following the conclusion of the recent public consultation. Community input is a vital part of the decision-making process, and all residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their views.
A grid connection has already been secured for the project and a number of early-stage ecological and feasibility surveys of the site have been undertaken.
To enable the UK to reach its legally binding Net Zero targets, increased renewable energy generation, such as from solar farms, is essential.
The clean electricity generated through this scheme will provide enough energy to power the equivalent of approximately 5,000 homes annually.
Both the Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1), and the National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3) are clear that renewable energy schemes are crucial in achieving Net Zero objectives and providing flexibility to the UK’s electricity system.
Downing Renewable Developments is committed to ensuring Sheenhill Solar Farm delivers benefits to the local community. A Community Benefit package will be made available for local projects and initiatives. Parish Councils will have the opportunity to express where they think this package will be best deployed, depending on the needs of the local community. As well as a commitment to maintain as many existing trees and hedges as possible on the site, there will also be a net gain in biodiversity through the planting of new wildflower meadows, hedgerows and trees.
“We are delighted to be commencing our community consultation for Sheenhill Solar Farm, where we are discussing the early proposals with the community and gaining their invaluable feedback, which will help to shape the site design and development” said Tony Gannon, Head of Downing Renewable Developments. “Sheenhill Solar Farm has the ability to significantly contribute to the UK Government's ambition of a fivefold increase in solar energy up to 70GW by 2035, and investment in renewable electricity generation on an unprecedented scale is a fundamental part of the UK’s strategy to meeting that target.”
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