The proposed solar farm will cover approximately 50 hectares of farmland near New Road, south of Melbourn.
The site increases in elevation from north to south and is located to the immediate south of the existing solar farm which was granted planning permission in 2014.
The site is in flood zone 1 (lowest risk).
The nearest listed buildings are Grade II listed and are approximately 1.5km north of the site in Melbourn.
There are no statutory landscape designations that cover the site; it is not situated in a National Park or a National Landscape Area.
There are no public rights of way within the site. The nearest public right of way runs north from Muncey’s Farm and north towards Melbourn.
The recent spikes in domestic energy prices affecting households across the country have encouraged the government to focus on a more independent UK energy strategy. Solar power is key to creating affordable and secure energy generation nationwide.
In addition, one of the government’s flagship goals is to make Britain a “clean energy superpower”; promising to lower energy bills, create jobs, and deliver secure, zero- carbon electricity by 2030, accelerating the move to net zero. As part of this mission, it has pledged to work with the private sector to triple the country’s solar capacity by the same date.
River Mel solar will contribute to this by generating 25MW of clean energy: enough to power the equivalent of 7,575 homes. A 25MW battery will store excess energy to be used later in the day when demand is higher.
Megawatts (MW) of clean energy generated
Standard domestic households powered annually
Approx. hectares of land protected by the solar farm
We plan to install a 25MW solar array across approximately 50 hectares of land, requiring minimal groundworks. The panels will be mounted on frames, with the top edge of the panels being about three metres high.
In addition to the solar panels, the site will also include:
Access will be from London Way.
The planning application will be determined by South Cambridgeshire District Council.
Ecological enhancements lie at the heart of the River Mel Solar proposal.
Ecological surveys are underway. Ecological enhancements (and mitigation where deemed necessary) will be implemented as part of the River Mel Solar proposal.
A minimum 10% biodiversity net gain will be delivered across the site, and this may involve the planting of trees, hedgerows and the installation of bird boxes.
Initial Feasibility studies
Technical surveys
Public engagement
Planning submission (this date is driven by the need to submit the planning application ahead of grid reform)
Construction