British Solar Renewables (BSR) are bringing forward a proposal for a new development on land at Tewes Farm, Thaxted Road, Little Sampford, CB10 2SA. The proposal is for a 49.99 MW export Solar PV array. The project will be an important component of local renewable energy infrastructure, contributing positively to the security of energy supply within Uttlesford. The scheme would help supply electricity to the local network at times of peak energy demand.

The global climate is changing faster than we have ever seen before. By supporting renewable energy schemes, such as the one we are proposing at Tewes Farm, we are taking an important step forward in the fight against climate change and will be helping to contribute towards a secure and stable supply of electricity for the United Kingdom.

Key Benefits:

• It will assist Uttlesford District Council to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with local and national targets. Uttlesford District Council declared a Climate Emergency in July 2019.

• Energy Security: A secure and stable supply of electricity to help meet the Government's target of net zero by 2050•

• Enhancement to Biodiversity: net gain of at least 60% (minimum government net gain required 10%). This is usually done through the planting of new hedgerows, gapping up of existing ones and planting wildflower meadows.

• The scheme will produce clean, renewable electricity capable of powering 20,436 family homes, whilst saving 18,100 tonnes of CO2, when compared to electricity generated by non-renewable means.

• Temporary development: After 40 years, the infrastructure will be removed, and agricultural use reinstated. If granted consent, decommissioning of the site is guaranteed as part of the planning condition. Given that the site is temporary, and farming activity is hard on the land, the fallow years brought about by the provision of solar on the site will provide will contribute to improving the soil quality and the condition of the land for agriculture in the future.

We are pleased to announce our intention to provide a Community Benefit Fund of up to £250,000 alongside our proposals to support local projects and to benefit the local community.

BSR is committed to speaking with the community at the earliest possible opportunity, to allow us to fully consider the feedback received from those that know the area best. To facilitate this, we invite residents to participate in our public consultation process. Further details on how to get involved can be found on the Public Consultation linked below and Contact Us pages of our website.

Stat References

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.

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.