New plans unveiled for Maldon solar project proposal

Lightsource bp, a global leader in the financing, development and management of solar energy projects, will be outlining their proposal to fund, develop and build a 49.9MW solar project on 190 acres of land at Lodge Farm, Old London Road, Woodham Walter, Maldon CM9 6RL and Hall Farm, Maldon Road, Woodham Mortimer, Maldon CM9 6SN.

Lightsource bp is inviting residents from the surrounding area to attend a community information event on 27th September where further information will be made available on the proposals.

The community information event will be held at the West Maldon Community Centre, Sunbury Way, Maldon CM9 6YH. Residents are invited to drop in at any time between 4pm and 6pm. The Lightsource bp team will be on hand to discuss the planning proposal and gather feedback from the local community.

The proposed solar project will provide enough clean renewable energy to power 14,658 homes, saving 10,142 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, the equivalent of taking 6,975 large family cars off the roads. This project is a key facet of Lightsource bp’s mission to rapidly accelerate the transition to a low carbon future.

As well as generating clean energy, Lightsource bp solar projects are designed so that they also act as a haven for local wildlife. A bespoke Biodiversity Management Plan will be developed in conjunction with the planning application, and this will ensure that the plan enhances and protects the site as much as possible for local wildlife. As part of this initiative, our planting, seeding and habitat creation plans will focus on native species. Lightsource bp is also eager to hear from wildlife enthusiasts and local schools who may be interested in playing a role in the ongoing monitoring of wildlife on the site, as part of the company’s drive to contribute positively to all the communities hosting its projects.

The proposed layout for the Maldon solar project has been designed in such a way that most of the open grassland on the site will be suitable for grazing small livestock, allowing the land to retain the potential for agricultural use. Lightsource bp is committed to supporting the rural economy and benefitting local communities, and this site has been designed with these priorities in mind. Wide grassy avenues will be left between the rows of solar panels, to reduce shading and optimise the amount of sunlight each row of panels receives. This will leave around 70% of the solar project as open grassland, ideal for grazing livestock, while the panels provide shade, shelter and protection for sheep, geese or chickens.

The proposed fields have been chosen for proximity to a local grid connection, and because they are well-screened by local topography which would limit any surrounding views of the solar project.

Katy McGuinness, Head of Environmental Planning UK & Ireland, Lightsource bp said:

“Solar energy is not only clean and renewable, but it also generates domestic electricity. This makes solar an important part of meeting the global rise in energy demand efficiently and more sustainably, which is a core aspect of Lightsource bp’s sustainability mission.

“We want to ensure that local communities in and around the proposed location have all the information they need about this project. We’re holding this information event to speak to elected representatives, local businesses and residents of the local community, and to gather feedback. This event is also a great way for the community to ask any questions they may have about the project or solar energy in general.”

Residents can obtain further information on the project, at any time, by getting in touch with the Lightsource bp team via info@lightsourcebp.com quoting ‘Maldon’.