Key Features
41.8MW export to grid secured
delivering electricity for up to 14,000 new homes.
Scheme would save 20,000 tons of CO2,
equivalent to 10,000 London-New York return flights.
Community fund for local renewable projects.
Additional planting to screen the development, and biodiversity enhancement.
Site outside the green belt.
163 Acres under option to lease
Objectives:
To deliver a large scale project with an optimal scheme for a 168 acre site. We came up with an optimal plan.
Challenges:
Land proximity to a significantly important footpath, meant that consideration and mitigation was required. Working closely with the local authority to design a suitable outcome.
Long distance to connect into the grid (6km) liaising with UK Power Networks to overcome the distance and routing to connect to the grid. We also adapted the plans and reduced the size of the scheme to reduce the long distance views based on the topology of the land.
Outcomes:
The outcome was positive with approval for a 41.8mw export to grid solar farm. With full planning consent for 40 years.
"I became aware of Cell Energy after I attended a seminar in Jan 2020. They were one of the companies presenting to landowners in the east of England.
I was interested in field based solar and liked how they said they approach a project so followed up with them after. They were true to their word that there were no costs to me to secure grid and planning, keeping me informed along the way.
What I found very impressive was the flexibility Cell Energy had in their dealings with the council and ourselves to ensure that any concerns were heard and minimised. This certainly contributed to the successful outcome. I would definitely recommend using Cell Energy."
Hanningfield, Landowner