The proposed solar farm will cover approximately 105 hectares of farmland near Northill Road, east of Bedford.
The western half of the site is generally flat, while the eastern half gradually increases in elevation towards Sheerhatch wood, which lies to the east.
The site is in flood zone 1 (lowest risk) and does not cover any statutory landscape designations, such as a National Park or National Landscape Area.
There is a Public Right of Way that runs through the centre of the site on an approximate north-south alignment. There are also several bridleways that border the site.
Sheerhatch Wood, a County Wildlife Site, is located to the east. The closest Local Nature Reserve (The Riddy) is found 3.4km to the northeast.
The recent spikes in domestic energy prices affecting households across the country have encouraged the government to focus on a more independent UK energy strategy. Solar power is key to creating affordable and secure energy generation nationwide.
In addition, one of the government’s flagship goals is to make Britain a “clean energy superpower”; promising to lower energy bills, create jobs, and deliver secure, zero-carbon electricity by 2030, accelerating the move to net zero. As part of this mission, it has pledged to work with the private sector to triple the country’s solar capacity by the same date.
The Sheerhatch solar farm will contribute to this by generating 49.9MW of clean energy — enough to power the equivalent of 15,150 homes. A 15MW battery will store excess energy, to be used later in the day when demand is higher.
Megawatts (MW) of clean energy generated
Standard domestic households powered annually
Approx. hectares of land protected by the solar farm
We plan to install a 49.9MW solar array across approximately 105 hectares of land, requiring minimal groundworks. The panels will be mounted on frames, with the top edge of the panels being about three metres high.
In addition to the solar panels, the site will also include:
Access will be from Northill Road.
The planning application will be determined by Bedford Borough Council.
Ecological enhancements lie at the heart of the Sheerhatch Solar proposal.
Ecological surveys are underway. Ecological enhancements (and mitigation where deemed necessary) will be implemented as part of the Sheerhatch Solar proposal.
A minimum 10% biodiversity net gain will be delivered across the site, and this may involve the planting of trees, hedgerows and the installation of bird boxes.
Initial Feasibility studies
Technical surveys
Public engagement
Planning submission (this date is driven by the need to submit the planning application ahead of grid reform)
Construction