British Solar Renewables North Dairy Solar Park Receives Planning Approval
British Solar Renewables North Dairy Solar Park Receives Planning Approval
We’re excited to announce that we have received planning consent to build a new 50MW solar development on Land at North Dairy Farm, Pulham, Dorchester.
Given the UK Government’s ambitious targets to ensure the United Kingdom is net zero by 2050, the 77.94-hectare site will be instrumental to boosting green energy generation in Dorset by delivering clean, renewable energy to 11,745 to 13,000 * homes a year - a saving of up to 13,000! tonnes of CO2.
The Pulham site is home to a diverse range of biodiversity such as arable, cattle, badgers, brown hares and great crested newts. Biodiversity is integral to the work we do, working with landowners, environmental specialists and the Planning authorities to ensure our sites minimise environmental impact and enhance local biodiversity. For North Dairy Solar Park, our ecological enhancement measures will include the creation of:
- New tree belts and broadleaved woodland, wild bird cover to provide foraging for overwintering birds.
- Wet marshy grassland, installation of a variety of wildlife boxes for nesting birds and roosting bats, plus herptile hibernacula, wildflower rich grassland and native hedgerow planting
- Meadow grassland beneath and between the solar panels
These measures will deliver a 74.58% net gain in Habitat Units and a 49.83% net gain in Hedgerow Units.
Alongside these, we also worked closely with the residents of Pulham to hear their concerns and inform amendments made to the scheme including:
- Ensuring solar park infrastructure was kept fully outside the areas identified as being at risk of flooding
“We are all delighted with the approval of North Dairy Farm Solar Park. This important project exemplifies our commitment to leading the charge towards a greener future. We are proud to pioneer a new era of responsible renewable energy development—one that not only generates clean electricity but also enriches the local ecosystem through ecological enhancements. North Dairy Farm Solar Park is a testament to BSR's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and community collaboration, and we are excited to make a positive impact in the fight against the climate crisis, together.”
Construction of the solar park is expected to begin early 2026 and become operational within eight months.
*Based on an annual average domestic consumption per household (Great Britain) of 3,799 kWh. Source BEIS, Regional and Local authority electricity consumption statics 2018.5
! Based on 'Emissions associated with the generation of electricity at a power station (Electricity generation factors do not include transmission and distribution). Source BEIS, Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2020.