BSR Energy has received planning approval from Maldon District Council for its Dengie Solar Park near the village of Dengie, Maldon District, Essex. This significant development will be constructed on 33 hectares of land, reinforcing BSR Energy's position as the UK's leading private integrated solar developer. 3d1u5j

Project details and environmental impact

Located south of Keelings Road, the Dengie Solar Park is set to generate 19 MW of renewable energy, sufficient to power 4,751 homes and save 4,208 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually over its 40-year lifespan. Initially submitted in April 2023, the planning application faced refusal from Maldon District Council due to flood risks and environmental concerns regarding the landscape, visual impact, and harm to water bird assemblages.

Revised application and mitigation measures

BSR Energy addressed the council's and public opinions by resubmitting the application in January 2024 with several amendments. Key changes included relocating the Distribution Network Operator substation and Battery Storage Units, and conducting a Flood Risk Sequential Test to confirm no other suitable land parcels with lower flood risks were available.

To further mitigate environmental impact, BSR Energy developed a Farmland Bird Mitigation Strategy and Habitat Regulation Assessment, detailing measures to minimize harm to local wildlife, including water birds. The Landscape and Visual Assessment was also revised to highlight the positive impacts of the proposed mitigations.

Future construction and operational timeline

With the council's approval, construction of the Dengie Solar Park is anticipated to commence in early 2025, with the park expected to become operational within six months. Carla Hardaker, Development Director at BSR Energy, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are delighted to have received planning permission; Dengie Solar Park will aid Maldon District Council in addressing the Climate Emergency it declared in February 2021 and in achieving its aim of becoming a carbon-neutral District by 2030.”

Significance for the UK’s renewable energy goals

The transition to renewable electricity is crucial for the UK Government's target of net zero by 2040. Projects like Dengie Solar Park are essential in helping the nation meet its environmental targets, contributing significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of sustainable energy.