Low Horton Farm Solar Farm
Low Horton Solar Farm received planning consent on 4 November 2022.
We are delighted to announce that the proposals for Low Horton Solar Farm received planning consent from Northumberland Council on 4 November 2022.
We will continue to engage with the local community in the lead up to the start of construction to ensure the voices of the community remain heard
Introducing Low Horton Solar Farm
Where is the Proposed Low Horton Solar Farm?
Bluefield Renewable Developments Ltd is pleased to announce that this project has received planning consent from Northumberland County Council for a solar farm on Land at Low Horton Farm, East Hartford, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4HG. The planning application reference on Northumberland County Council’s planning portal is 22/01153/RENE.
The solar farm would have an approximate capacity of 49.9 MW. The proposed development would create enough renewable energy to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 15,000 homes. It would also offset approximately 11,200 tonnes of CO2 each year, the equivalent to taking around 5,160 cars off the road.
The Benefits
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It will assist Northumberland County Council in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with national targets.
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It will contribute towards the security of energy supply in Northumberland through the provision of local, renewable energy.
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Public rights of way will be protected and where possible enhanced by the solar farm proposals.
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New hedgerow planting is proposed to provide screening of the solar farm from its surroundings.
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A community fund will be established to invest in local projects and initiatives
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This is a temporary development, allowing the land to rest for up to 40 years.
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We anticipate that the solar farm will have a significant positive net biodiversity impact. Ecological enhancements being planned include tree planting, strengthening of existing hedgerows, planting of wildflower areas together with bird and bat boxes and bee hives.
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The proposed solar farm will not require Government subsidy.
The project is situated to the west of Blyth and approximately 2km south-east of Bedlington. The proposed site covers approximately 75 hectares of agricultural land. The north-western and western boundaries are defined in the most part by the A189. Low Horton Farm is positioned to the west of the site boundary. The southern boundary is defined by a track known as 'Plessey Old Wagonway' which is a Public Right of Way (footpath reference: 300/044). A Public Right of Way runs through the northern section of the site and a second Public Right of way bisects the central section of the site. The eastern boundary is adjacent to Blyth Golf Club and a small section of the north-eastern boundary is positioned adjacent to the railway line.
Following a thorough and wide-ranging land search this site was chosen for its access to the grid, lack of environmental designations, relatively poor soil quality and accessibility. In particular this site is set within a landscape of existing hedgerows defining field boundaries which affords excellent natural screening. The site is predominantly Grade 3b land which is not considered to be the best and most versatile for agriculture.
In addition to having solar panels on the site, the proposal also includes biodiversity and landscape enhancement measures, such as new hedgerow planting, gapping up of existing hedgerows and new grassland habitats. The additional planting helps to minimise visual and environmental impacts. Sheep may also be grazed underneath the solar panels once operational, thereby offering dual use for the land.
Indicative Site Layout Plan
Site Location Plan
Public
Consultation
Public Consultation Event
Due to the recent increase in Coronavirus cases, we invite you to attend our public consultation webinar and Q&A session on Monday 24th January 2022, 6pm - 8pm.
Tell us what you think
Please complete the feedback form you received in the post, or fill in this online questionnaire.
Public Consultation Webinar
Founded in 2009, the Bluefield Group builds, manages and operates solar and other renewable energy projects on behalf of its clients. It currently operates over 100 solar farms in the UK with an aggregate capacity of over 610 MWp. As both a developer and operator of renewable energy projects, Bluefield seeks to build long-term relationships with landowners and the local community.
We aim to deliver high quality projects that generate significant renewable energy, have low visual impact and enhance biodiversity and land management.
For more information on Bluefield Development please visit our website.
Project Timeline
January 2022
Pre-submission
consultation
February 2022
Finalise proposed design and submit planning application
November 2022
Planning decision
2024/25
Construction
Contact us.
Please provide your contact details, if you’d like to hear back from us. Any comments provided will help shape our proposal as we prepare the planning application to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority. Names and contact details will not be included within the planning application or any other published material.
For further information, please do not hesitate to email:
lowhortonsolarfarm@pegasusgroup.co.uk
Or contact Pegasus Group by post at:
Pegasus Group
Pegasus House
Querns Business Centre
Whitworth Road
Cirencester
Gloucestershire
GL7 1RT
Please provide any feedback by
Wednesday 9th February 2022