A company is seeking input from residents following proposals to build a new solar farm near Malvern.
JBM Solar have revealed proposals for the 270 acre Chapel Hill Solar Farm near Bastonford, Collett’s Green and Leigh Sinton off A449 Worcester Road.
The public consultation is being held at the Elgar Suite, Bank House Hotel in Bransford on Thursday, November 2 between 2.30pm and 6.30pm.
Members of the community can learn more about the proposals, meet the project team and ask any questions.
The proposed solar farm claims to be able to generate enough energy to meet the annual equivalent needs of over 19,500 people and offset around 1.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over project’s lifetime.
JBM Solar says it is also committed to delivering a minimum of 50 per cent biodiversity net gain – over five times what will soon be the national requirement.
The project will see beehives, bird and bat nesting boxes, wildflower meadows and more included in it’s proposals.
Significant hedgerow and tree planting has also been proposed, with the plans intended to ensure agricultural practices, such as sheep grazing, can continue on 95 per cent of the land, while the solar farm is operational.
And a community fund of up to £660,000 has been included to help fund sustainable local projects.
Bente Klein, development project manager at JBM Solar, said: “These proposals are an excellent opportunity to help tackle the climate crisis and deliver on local and national energy targets.
“The UK needs to rapidly increase its renewable energy generation to deliver on its aim to decarbonise the energy sector by 2035, and projects like Chapel Hill Solar Farm will help achieve that aim.
“We are currently in the early stages of the proposals and are looking to members of the community to help shape the scheme.
“We want this scheme to reflect the wants and needs of local communities are very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts throughout this important engagement period.”
The consultation will run until 20th November.
Visit www.chapelhillsolarfarm.co.uk to have your say online.
