Enviromena is preparing to submit a planning application to Dorset Council for a solar farm located on land near Motcombe Road, Motcombe, Shaftesbury, SP7 9LD.
The proposed solar farm will have a capacity of 12MW. The solar farm will create enough clean, renewable energy to power approximately 6,384 homes per annum. The solar farm would avoid 3,570 tonnes of CO2 annually compared to other non-renewable forms of energy generation, which is the equivalent of taking 4,746 cars off the road each year.
Where is the proposed site?
Benefits of Motcombe Solar Farm
- The solar farm will assist Dorset Council in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with national and local targets in response to the Climate Emergency.
- Careful consideration has been given to the project to avoid effects on any scheduled ancient monuments, ancient hedgerows and woodlands within the Gillingham Royal Forest area.
- The project will deliver net beneficial gains for biodiversity. Solar farm installations have a small footprint on the land
they occupy, leaving considerable scope for biodiversity enhancements. Research has shown that responsibly managed solar farms can play an important role in reducing the decline in biodiversity. - Existing trees and hedgerows will be retained and protected and supplemented by additional native species planting to support local habitats as part of a wider ecological network.
- The development of green projects like Motcombe Solar Farm also create business opportunities and economic activity which contribute to the country’s green recovery.
- We are committed to using local suppliers and contractors during construction and long-term operation of the project, which will benefit the local economy, and provide jobs to people in the local area.
- The proposal does not require the stopping or diversion of any public rights of way.
- This is a temporary development, allowing the land to rest for the period of operation up to 40 years. Decommissioning and full restoration of the site at the end of life of the development will be secured via planning condition.
- The project does not require Government subsidies.
Public Consultation Event
We held a public consultation event on Thursday 22 August 2024 from 2pm to 7pm
at Motcombe Village Hall, Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9PE.
Please click here to view the boards that were presented at the event.