Prentice’s Farm Solar Farm
Where is the proposed Prentice’s Farm Solar Farm?
The project is situated on land east of Crows Lane, Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8RT. The site extends to approximately 33 hectares and will be located in several fields which are currently used for agriculture. In addition to having solar panels on the site, the proposal also includes biodiversity and landscape enhancement measures, such as new hedgerow planting and gapping up of existing hedgerows.
This helps to contribute to the overall biodiversity and landscape scheme which will be developed as part of the scheme. Sheep may also be grazed underneath the solar panels once operational, thereby offering dual use for the land.
Introducing Prentice’s Farm Solar Farm
Anglo Renewables has submitted a planning application to Maldon District Council for a solar farm on land east of Crows Lane, Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8RT.
The application has been validated and has been given the following reference number: 23/00807/FUL.
The solar farm would produce enough clean, renewable electricity to power approximately 5,200 homes per year. It would also offset approximately 4,500 tonnes of CO2 per year.
It will assist Maldon District Council in meeting its pledge to become a carbon-neutral authority by 2030, in addition to supporting its response to the Climate and Ecological Emergency the Council declared in February 2021.
The proposed development will contribute towards the security of energy supply in the UK through the provision of local, renewable energy supply.
No public rights of way will be closed during or after construction of the solar farm.
New hedgerow planting is proposed and existing hedgerows will be gapped up, contributing to the overall biodiversity and landscape scheme which will be developed as part of the scheme.
Ecological enhancements including wildflower and wild bird seed grasslands, and a range of breeding boxes for bats and birds are being considered as part of the application. We anticipate that the solar farm will have a significant positive net biodiversity impact.
This is a temporary development, allowing the land to rest for the period of operation up to 40 years.
The proposed solar farm will not require Government subsidy.
Anglo Renewables is committed to using local suppliers during construction and operation where possible.
A solar farm gives land the opportunity for multiple uses. In addition to renewable energy production, solar farms can continue to be grazed by sheep and support biodiversity with wildflowers sown around the site.
What are the benefits of Prentice’s Farm solar farm?
Public Consultation Event
Thank you to everyone who attended our public consultation event
Climate Emergency
To rapidly address the impacts of climate change, in May 2019, a national climate change emergency was declared by the UK Parliament. MPs called on the Government to make changes that included setting a new target of reaching net zero emissions before 2050. On June 27th, 2019, the UK Parliament approved the net zero target in law, thereby changing the original target of 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (compared to 1990) in the UK to 2050 to 100%.
Maldon District Council is committed to tackling climate change, the Council declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ in February 2021 as part of its “Our Home, Our Future” Climate Action Strategy.
Community Benefit Fund
We hope to set up a community benefit fund of £25,000 which will be invested in suitable community projects directly benefitting local residents.
This project is subject to local business rates and will generate significant income for Maldon District Council. Over its lifecycle, this project will generate millions of pounds which will help fund local services.
Anglo Renewables is working at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a greener, low carbon economy through identifying and developing solar sites across the country. We are supporting the country’s legislated target of reaching Net Zero by 2050 and the global movement to tackle climate change.
Large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) technology can play a significant role in the UK’s response to both the climate and biodiversity emergencies by supporting healthy ecosystems, whilst avoiding the emissions from fossil fuel burning power stations.
For more information on Anglo Renewables please visit our website.
Project Timeline
Pre-Submission Consultation
November 2022
Finalise Proposed Design
December 2022
Submit Planning Application
February 2023
Planning Decision (estimated)
April 2023
Construction (if approved)
2024
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