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Green Light for 4,000 Home Project

A significant solar farm project has received approval from Basildon Council, paving the way for a substantial increase in renewable energy generation in south-east Essex. Enso Energy has been granted permission to develop a large-scale solar farm and battery storage facility near Barleylands, Billericay, Essex, UK.

The solar farm project, which will be located on green belt land, is expected to generate enough electricity to power 4,250 homes in the local area. In addition to the solar farm, Enso Energy will also install underground cabling to connect the facility to a substation in Rayleigh, Essex, UK.

Local Concerns and Alternative Solutions

While the solar farm project aligns with the UK government’s broader push for renewable energy, it has not been without controversy in the local area. Phil Turner, a local Conservative Councillor for Billericay West Ward in Essex, expressed his deep disappointment at the approval, citing concerns about the impact on the local green belt.

Mr. Turner argued that there are alternative locations for such solar panel projects, including high-rise buildings or other sites that do not encroach on protected local areas. He also emphasized the importance of careful consideration and exploration of all available options before making decisions that could have long-term consequences for the local environment and community.

Scaled-Down Proposal

The approved solar farm plans represent a scaled-down version of a previous application, which was rejected by the local council in March 2023 due to its larger size and potential damaging impact on the local green belt. The new proposal is focused on specific areas of land south east of Coxes Farm Road and west of the A129 in Billericay, Essex.

According to the applicant’s documents, the solar farm is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 3,271 tonnes per year. This equates to the emissions savings of removing around 1,139 cars from the road annually.

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FAQ: Enso Energy Solar Farm Near Barleylands

What is the purpose of the solar farm project?

The solar farm is intended to generate renewable energy to power local homes in the area and reduce carbon (CO2) emissions.

Where will the solar farm be located?

The solar farm will be located near Barleylands, Billericay, Essex, UK.

How many homes will the solar farm power?

The solar farm is expected to power about 4,250 homes in the local area of south-east Essex.

Who is developing the solar farm?

Enso Energy is developing the solar farm.

When will the solar farm be completed?

A specific completion date has not been announced.

What other components will be included in the project?

In addition to the solar farm, underground cabling will be installed to connect the facility to a substation in Rayleigh, Essex.

How will the solar farm impact the green belt?

The project has been scaled down to minimize its impact on the local green belt.

What are the estimated carbon emissions reductions?

The solar farm is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 3,271 tonnes per year.

Will there be any noise or visual pollution associated with the project?

The developer will implement measures to mitigate noise and visual impacts.

What were the main concerns raised by local residents?

Some local residents expressed concerns about the impact of the project on the local green belt and the potential for noise and visual pollution.

How were these concerns addressed?

The developer has worked to address these concerns through a scaled-down project and measures to minimize environmental impacts.