Lytchett Minster Solar Farm
Our proposal
Our proposed solar farm and energy storage system is approximately 22 hectares (54 acres) and will cover a proportion of 6 fields located next to the A35 between Lytchett Minster and Upton. The solar farm will make a significant contribution towards the push for net zero.
It will consist of panels laid out in rows running east to west with a maximum height of 2.8 metres, and will connect to the grid through a short underground cable to the Lytchett Minster BSP Substation.
The land on the solar farm will also be used as pasture for sheep grazing. The lower intensity of agricultural use and new designated ecology areas will bring knock-on benefits to the environmentally sensitive areas to the East and North of the site.
We are targeting submission of a planning application in March 2022, once we have received local feedback and made any necessary adjustments to our proposal.
Site Location Plan for Lytchett Minster Solar Farm
Indicative Concept Scheme Design
Benefits to the local area
• Sustainable zero-carbon energy will be generated to power around 4,207 homes, a local source of clean energy.
• This proposal will help reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change it is expected this site will save approximately 7,425 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
• The development will generate strong biodiversity net-gains and will support an increased number of plant and animal species, including protected species, within the solar farm site.
• The proposal will provide support for community projects within the Upton and Lytchett Minster areas from the solar farm and energy storage system income.
• The site will promote long term soil formation and protection as well as provide carbon storage and recycling.
• Good design and careful positioning of the site will limit the potential impact on the existing landscape.
• The site will remain in agricultural production and enable sheep to graze.
About us
We have been installing and operating domestic, commercial and utility-scale solar PV systems since 2011. At Green Nation we firmly believe that solar power is the best source of truly renewable power that means we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
We have managed over 200 installations and have developed over 40MW of solar PV systems. In a very fast-moving solar market, Green Nation has earned a reputation for honesty and customer care. As we own and operate the majority of our systems, we are in this for the long term and so we pay particular attention to the quality of components we use and the service we provide to our customers.
Minimising impact
• Assessments of local landscape and visual impact, ecology, flood risk & drainage and heritage have been carried out, and have guided the location of the solar scheme, to ensure the proposal has limited impact on the local area.
• Hedgerows will be retained and allowed to grow higher than currently and extensive new planting and ecological enhancements will be provided which will greatly benefit the local environment and wildlife.
• The careful positioning of the solar scheme in the landscape and new planting at the site will ensure key viewpoints from the surrounding area are preserved, and that the site is well screened.
• The planned delivery route to the site during construction avoids the village of Lytchett Minster and Upton. Once built, road traffic to the site will be a few visits per month.
Local and National Government Policy
• The Government has set a target for the UK to be carbon-neutral by 2050. A transition is taking place towards the use of renewable sources of electricity. Solar is a big part of this, meaning many more solar farms will need to be built in the coming years. Compared to other forms of renewable energy generation, such as wind farms, solar farms have much less impact in visual terms.
• The Government’s policies of phasing out petrol and diesel-burning cars, and phasing out fossil fuels for purposes such as the heating of buildings, will significantly increase the requirement and demand for sources of carbon-free electricity, such as solar farms.
• Solar farms will produce lots of zero carbon energy to keep the lights on. As renewable energy output varies hour by hour and day by day, the electricity network needs energy storage facilities that will help smooth out fluctuations in supply and demand for electricity. The project includes an energy storage element, ensuring it contributes to energy security and net zero.
• Like many Councils across the country, Dorset Council has declared a Climate Emergency in 2020, which aims to achieve a net zero-carbon District by 2030.
• Recent changes in farm funding means that rural diversification is essential, and this is encouraged by Government policy. This proposal will greatly assist with this required diversification, which will support the ongoing viability and stability of a local rural business.
• This solar farm will make a significant contribution to dealing with these policy goals.
Project Timeline
January 2022
Pre submission consultation and finalise design
April 2022
Submit planning application
July 2022
Planning decision
2023
Construction (if approved)
Public consultation
Green Nation held a public consultation event for local residents on the 18th January 2022 at Upton Social Club (New Hall Courtneys Yd, Poole Road, Upton, Poole BH16 5HX). This gave local residents an opportunity to understand the proposal and to ask any questions to the development team.
Please note the consultation period has been extended by 2 weeks, to ensure all residents are able to get their views across. Responses can now be provided until Tuesday 15th February.
Tell us what you think
Please complete the feedback form you received in the post, fill in form below or complete this online questionnaire.
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