Solar and Energy Storage
Innova Renewables has submitted an EIA Scoping Request to Wealden District Council for the proposed Colbrans Solar Farm and Energy Storage project at land located at Colbrans Farm, Laughton.
The site would be able to generate approximately 40MW (Megawatts) of electricity, enough to power around 9,614 homes and save approximately 9,634 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Innova details of the application were shared at a Community Consultation Event on 9th July 2024.
The UK has committed to becoming Net Zero by 2050, and has a target to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2035. The Proposed Development would support the UK’s transition to Net Zero, and increase the use of renewable energy through supporting the availability of energy to the National Grid.
The site has been carefully selected and designed through a detailed assessment process considering initially grid availability, available land, environmental designations, planning policy, access, and considerations on landscape, heritage, agricultural land quality, and ecological matters.
We have engaged a team of expert consultants to undertake site specific assessments, which are currently ongoing. Following the results of these surveys, consultation with the Council and a Community Consultation Event, iterative design work will be undertaken prior to submission of the full application.
From early in the process of developing all our sites, we like to reach out to the community which will host the development and set out the local benefits this can bring. This includes setting up a Community Benefit Fund and a Charitable Fund, which would be funded by the project with an annual sum, based on the installed MW capacity of the site, paid into each fund for the entire lifespan of the project.
The above figures are based on the contributions which will be made every year for the project of £250 to the local community and £100 charitable donation per MW installed for the solar array, and £50 to the local community and £20 charitable donation per MW for the Energy Storage development. The combined totals for the project's 40-year life will be £460,000 Community Benefit and £184,000 Charitable Fund.
The UK has committed to becoming Net Zero by 2050, and has a target to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2035. This requires an extra 3GW of solar to be built each year. Renewable energy developments like Colbrans Solar and Storage are a key part of addressing the Climate Emergency. The development will serve a key role in this vital transition to renewable energy.
Wealden District Council declared a Climate Emergency in July 2019, which made a commitment to pursue effects to reduce emissions for the Council, and for the district to be Net Zero by 2050 (or before).
Carbon Saved
The energy generated from Colbrans Solar and Storage would be enough to power approximately 9,641 homes within the Wealden district (14% of all homes), and would result in an approximate saving of 9,634 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum.
Agricultural Land
The land is currently used for grazing livestock. We will be undertaking an Agricultural Land Classification survey, which will confirm the grade of the land and inform the design.
New Vegetation Planting
The planning application will be supported by a Landscape Masterplan, which will provide details on the proposed planting onsite. This is likely to comprise of planting of hedgerows, improved grasslands, trees, and wildflower meadows, and the inclusion of suitable habitat creation and enhancement.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
The planning application will be supported by a Biodiversity Net Gain calculation and assessment, which will provide details of the gain delivered onsite and will be in accordance with national policy and deliver over the 10% requirement.
We have proposed a 40MW solar farm and co-located energy storage to be located land at Colbrans Farm, Laughton.
The development site covers approximately 80 hectares, which includes additional land for landscaping, habitat creation, and access. It is proposed that primary access to the site is provided through an existing field access off Darp/Mill Lane to the south-east of the site. A further access point is proposed from the north at Cow Lane, via an existing farm track located within the Colbrans Farm estate.
The Laughton Levels Solar Farm is located to the immediate south of the site. Beyond this, Kittyhawk Aerodrome is located to the south, and Deanland Aerodrome is located approximately 1km to the east.
The site has been selected based on available land, availability of a grid offer, and avoidance of national and local planning designations. We are currently undergoing site surveys which will inform the site design, along with the Council’s comments on the EIA Scoping Request.
Site Layout
Please see a full view of the site layout here.
It is proposed that primary access to the site is provided through an existing field access off Darp/Mill Lane to the south-east of the site. A further access point is proposed from the north at Cow Lane, via an existing farm track located within the Colbrans Farm estate.
Solar Panels
The solar panels will be mounted using frames fixed to the ground with a method suitable for the site’s ground conditions.
Energy Storage
The development would primarily consist of liquid cooled batteries, the size of a storage container.
Inverter Units
Inverter units convert the power from DC to AC and are mounted on the back of the solar panels at intervals.
Substation Buildings
A substation is used to connect the solar farm to the local electricity network and meter production.
Transformer Units
Transformers are used to step up the voltage from the solar panels to a suitable export level and are placed strategically throughout the site.
Perimeter Fencing
Wooden posts supporting traditional wire stock fencing (approximately 2m high) to match the local vernacular as required by the local authority.
CCTV Cameras
Infrared CCTV cameras will be required which would look along the fence line with no exterior lighting required anywhere on site.
Palisade Fencing
The energy storage and substation compound will be enclosed by palisade fencing.
We are currently undertaking a number of site specific environmental surveys which will inform the design and further the full planning application. The majority of the details of these surveys will be available at the Community Consultation Event, which is expected to take place in summer 2024.
Where can I view the EIA Scoping Request?
Once Wealden District Council have validated the submission, this request will be publicly visible on their website.
When is a public consultation being held?
We are currently undertaking site surveys which will provide the information for the Community Consultation Event. The public consultation will be held in summer 2024
Why are there fields with no equipment in in the Layout Plan?
These areas are to be used for the proposed landscape planting and habitat enhancement.
Community Consultation Event Boards
Please see our Community Consultation Event Boards here.
Community Consultation Event Leaflets
Please see our Community Consultation Event Leaflet here.
Our Community Consultation Event is due to take place in summer 2024. Details of the venue, date, and time will be sent to local residents and the Parish Councils. Prior to this event, you can share any feedback via our form below:
