New details have emerged on plans for a solar farm the size of over 80 football pitches near Watford.
A public consultation has been launched over early proposals to build battery energy storage systems on 139 acres of farmland in Ley Hill Road, Bovingdon.
British Solar Renewables (BSR) says it is seeking local views over the site, which it said represented an “important opportunity to boost green energy production and storage in the local area”.
The farm would reportedly power 10,665 homes a year and reduce CO2 emissions by 12,042 tonnes annually, while a 10 megawatt battery storage would save excess electricity for future use if it is not needed by the national grid.
It would have an operational lifespan of 40 years, after which it would be decommissioned and the sites returned to farmland use.
- Developers eyeing 139 acres of fields for solar farm
- Developer withdraws plans for large solar farm near Watford
The plots are currently being used as grade 3b farmland, which is defined as “moderate quality”, although planning permission was also approved in 2016 to mine 15,000 tonnes of clay per year for 18 years from the eastern plot.
BSR has warned that this would cause “significant disruption” in terms of dust, noise and traffic and not result in any ecological benefits comparatively.
The developer also said the scheme would give the landowner a guaranteed stable income over the next decades to support other agricultural activities.
According to the proposals, the site would generate £95,000 in business rates for Dacorum Borough Council as well as a £116,400 fund for residents which could fund a community space nearby.
The public consultation will run until Sunday, October 6, and more details are available on the BSR website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here