Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) has secured planning approval for Freeby Lane green energy park, a solar and battery energy storage development near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, with a unanimous vote in favour of the project at a recent Planning Committee.
The 42 MW project will generate enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of approximately 10 000 homes annually.
The plans include measures designed to significantly increase biodiversity at the site, including large areas of meadows, as well as significant amounts of hedgerow and tree planting.
The project has evolved through consultation with the local community, with the site design informed through a series of community engagement events. Community benefits totalling £1.2 million have been proposed, including a capital payment to the Parish Council, as well as free domestic solar installations to local properties to help reduce energy costs within the local community. Local residents will also have the opportunity to invest in the project through a community ownership scheme.
Tony Gannon, Head of Downing Renewable Developments, said: “We have worked carefully with stakeholders including the local community to develop proposals that can deliver new renewable generation capacity whilst also providing substantial and meaningful community benefits. Transitioning to a renewable energy generation system should mean cheaper energy bills for the UK consumer, particularly given that solar power is one of the cheapest sources of renewable energy.
“We are grateful to everyone who has engaged with us as the plans have developed and look forward to continuing to work with the local community, suppliers and stakeholders as we take the project through its next stages.”
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