South Staffordshire Council has granted approval for the Deepmore solar farm, a renewable energy project designed to supply clean, green electricity to an estimated 8,000 homes.
The 22.5 MW solar farm will be situated in Four Ashes, South Staffordshire. The project includes a comprehensive package of environmental enhancements and a community benefit fund exceeding £45,000.
Extensive Community Engagement
Renewable Connections, a leading UK solar and battery developer, submitted the application to the Council in October 2023 after conducting thorough consultation with the local community and statutory consultees.
Deepmore Solar Farm received approval following a recommendation for approval by South Staffordshire Council planning officers on July 16, 2024.
Milestone Achievement
The approval marks the 21st project consent for Renewable Connections since 2021.
Philip Hale, Chief Operations Officer at Renewable Connections, expressed his satisfaction with the positive community feedback during the consultation process, stating that Deepmore solar farm was “well-received within the local community.”
Council’s Commitment to Net Zero
Hale also highlighted South Staffordshire Council’s commitment to tackling climate change, stating, “Since declaring a climate change emergency in 2019, South Staffordshire Council has reduced their carbon emissions by 43% and been hailed a net zero leader.
The consent of this project, which will deliver carbon-neutral renewable energy to nearly 8,000 homes, underscores the Council’s ongoing commitment to this important issue.”
Environmental Enhancements
The solar farm has been carefully designed to provide numerous landscape, ecological, and biodiversity benefits. These include additional wildflower planting, increased species-rich grassland, hedgerow planting for enhanced screening, and other ecological improvements.
Community Benefit Fund
A Community Benefit Fund of £2000/MW installed on-site will be paid to Brewood and Coven Parish Council upon the solar farm’s energization. Additionally, annual contributions of £2000 (index-linked) to the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and £1000 (index-linked) to a local registered charity have been confirmed.
Construction Timeline
Construction of the Deepmore solar farm, involving the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight directly into renewable electricity, is anticipated to commence in 2025.