In this case study, Innova shares how two landowners achieved long-term income through a renewable energy development on their farm.
Securing a long-term, stable income is becoming increasingly challenging for today’s landowners.
Research has found that rising costs and lower agricultural output in 2022/23 had a significant impact on grazing livestock farms, which saw a 37% income decrease for lowland farms and a 41% for those in Less Favoured Areas (LFA) compared to 2021/2022. The case was similar for general cropping farms, with a 14% decrease in income.
Many farmers and other landowners are therefore seeking additional ways to earn from their land – including the opportunity to achieve long-term income through renewable energy.
Also, more and more councils across the country are prioritising efforts to address the climate emergency. For example, Staffordshire Moorlands Council declared a climate emergency on 10th July, making a commitment to:
“Start working with partners, across the district and region, towards making the Staffordshire Moorlands carbon neutral by 2030; taking into account emissions from both production and consumption.”
In the following case study, we explain how Innova worked with two landowners at Blythe House Farm in Staffordshire to develop a solar farm that will not only generate a steady income alongside their other agricultural practices, but that is also set to have a profoundly positive impact on the local environment and community.
Background
Blythe House Farm is a working farm near Draycott in the Moors and Tean, Staffordshire.
Innova development arm, formerly Novus, had previously developed a successful solar farm on the land in collaboration with one of the owners of the land, and upon further investigation, they discovered that the land of a neighbouring landowner provided an opportunity to extend the benefits of the current solar farm with a new solar and energy storage facility.
Innova approached this landowner to discuss securing sufficient land for the project, and to begin designing an environmentally sensitive site that would receive planning consent.
“This is the second project that I have completed with Innova. I was looking at generating a steady income to help with running the farm. Innova reached out with a proposal for a renewable energy project which was more financially rewarding than alternative options.”
Landowner 1
“Innova contacted me regarding a renewable energy project on my land which would provide a steady and secure income for my children.”
Landowner 2
The process
With agreement from both landowners and the heads of terms and option agreement in place (plus a viable grid connection), Innova took Blythe Solar Farm’s development through the planning process.
The Innova team ensured that the two landowners were informed of what was happening at every stage and involved them at every key point in the process.
“Innova were friendly, competent, and approachable, and always kept me up to date with the project. They ensured that I was happy for any site visits to occur prior to them being undertaken and explained what the consultants would do during the survey. They also developed a great relationship with the local community.”
Landowner 1
“Innova has been great with communication, not only to us but also to the local community. Innova consistently kept me informed of the project’s progression and when site surveys would be undertaken.”
Landowner 2
The process also included a strong focus on engaging with the local community to discuss the potential impact of the development, as well as the considerable benefits that the project could bring to the local area and the UK.
Just some of these benefits include:
- enough electricity to power 11,775 homes in the area every year
- 9,125 tonnes of carbon saved each year
- new vegetation planting, including a 5.4-hectare bird mitigation area, a woodland belt, hedgerows, and a new pond
- a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) increase of 90.7% for habitats and 10.2% in hedgerows; an
- a Community Benefit Fund and Charitable Fund.
During the process, a member of the public submitted the following comment to the Local Planning Authority:
“My reasons for support are based on the thoroughness of the application, which clearly sets out both the development and the impact on us as neighbours. More importantly, the proactive, responsible and engaging approach that the team at Innova has taken, to provide both education and explanation of the planning, building and management approach that will be taken to Blythe House Solar Farm. This has meant that any of my concerns and questions were answered in a clear and comprehensive manner.”
The Outcome
Innova’s close collaboration with the two landowners, their engagement with the local community, and their thorough application led to success for Blythe Solar Farm, with planning approval being granted in February 2023 by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
As a result, both landowners are in a strong position to bolster their current income and secure their assets through leasing their land for the project over the next 40 years.
What’s more, the design of the project allows for grazing, so they will be able to continue this practice throughout the site’s period of operation.
“I would happily work with Innova again.”
Landowner 1
“Innova were approachable, knowledgeable, and happy to answer any questions that I have regarding the project. Overall, I am happy with my experience with Innova and would welcome working with them again.”
Landowner 2
Once energised, the entire site will realise the benefits outlined above. What’s more, as part of Innova’s Community Promise, the local community will receive £10,500 per year once the site is energised.
This fund can be used to benefit the local community how they and the local council choose – whether that’s the development of a new play area, developing a wildlife reservation, or something else entirely.
A total of £4,200 per year will also be donated to a local charity as part of Innova’s Charitable Promise.
What’s next for Blythe Solar Farm?
Innova will manage the construction and energisation of the Blythe Solar Farm development, ready to provide substantial green energy to the wider community.
Looking to secure long-term income through renewable energy?
Our land experts at Innova would be delighted to discuss collaborating on a renewable energy project with you.
Let's work together
In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about our renewable development process at Innova, as well as the financial, agricultural, and environmental benefits of hosting a renewable project on your land, be sure to read The Landowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy Developments.
About Innova
Innova is a forward-thinking renewable energy business. Our long-term mission is to create utility-scale renewable energy projects using multi-technologies that take large energy intensive users off-grid, positively improving the environment, and benefiting local businesses and communities. To date, Innova has over 60 DNO and Grid connected sites under development in the UK, with a combined solar and storage capacity in excess of 24GW.
Author: Michael Allworth, Land Director at Innova.