Why here?

The site for Oakley Solar is highly suitable for a solar installation based on the rigorous assessments undertaken during the pre-planning process.

These assessments have informed us that the site is highly suitable for solar development due to its proximity to a viable grid connection, landscape and potential for biodiversity enhancement.

The site will help to ensure the local authorities of Charnwood Borough Council and North West Leicestershire District Council can achieve their net zero carbon targets as well as generate power for up to 15,000 homes.

Climate change

The solar installation will have a capacity of 49.9MW, generating enough electricity to power over 15,000 homes.

With the UK Government’s recent announcement of a Green Industrial Revolution, the UK is trying to increase the proportion of power generated through renewable electricity to meet our ambitious climate targets and achieve carbon net zero. As we seek to power homes and vehicles through electricity, there is a renewed focus to increase our renewable energy capacity to meet net zero by 2050. Solar power is the lowest cost form of electricity generation and therefore contributes to reducing energy bills over the long term.

This solar installation will contribute towards a zero-carbon future for us all, and importantly helping both Charnwood Borough Council and North West Leicestershire District Council meet their commitment to helping the UK achieve its target to be greenhouse gas net zero by 2050. The proposals also help North West Leicestershire complete its commitment to be a carbon neutral district by 2050.

Biodiversity

The land for the proposed solar farm will continue to be used for agricultural purposes throughout its lifetime through opportunities for sheep grazing. Furthermore, whilst the solar farm is operational, the soil will be rested, meaning that it will be in a better condition when it is returned to full agricultural use. The land will be used for clean energy generation, continued livestock grazing and improved biodiversity over the course of the project’s 40 year lifetime. New trees, hedgerow planting and new wildflower grassland will support animals already on the site and provide additional habitats for a range of species, including bees, reptiles, birds and bats. We are also proposing to restore a number of historic ponds on the site after consulting with local wildlife groups.

Flooding

The site falls entirely within Flood Zone 1, the lowest flood risk zone, meaning there is a 1 in 1,000 year chance of flooding. Furthermore, national planning policy requires all planning applications above certain thresholds to carry out a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). Endurance Energy is working with Charnwood Borough Council and North West Leicestershire Council to ensure the FRA includes a robust drainage strategy to maintain the low level of flooding risk on site.

Landscaping

During construction, the site will be provided with high-quality landscaping that is carried out for the purpose of enhancing the site and ensuring biodiversity net gain is delivered. It will also feature the protection of existing trees and hedgerows and new planting, informed by ecological specialists. Through careful design, landscaping and planting, the visual impact of the scheme will be minimised.

Endurance Energy is committed to ensuring that there is no negative impact to the Oakley Wood Site of Special Scientific Interest by sensitively designing proposals that protect the woods before, during and after construction of Oakley Solar.