UK-based PV project developer Lark Energy has secured planning permission for a 32MWp PV project which, when complete, is said to be the UK’s largest solar farm.
The £35 million (US$55.5 million) project will be built on the World War II Wymeswold Airfield in Leicestershire, with construction due to begin by the end of November. Development will involve the installation of around 125,000 PV modules positioned on land between the old runways. It will cover approximately 60.7 hectares of land.
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At present, the airfield is being used for agricultural and leisure activities. However, Lark Energy said that once the project becomes operational, the solar farm should not affect the current users of the land.
Whilst developing its plans for the project, Lark Energy worked closely with the landowners, Charnwood Borough Council, the local parish councils and the local community. On 8 November, the company received planning permission from Charnwood Borough Council.
Jonathan Selwyn, Managing Director of Lark Energy, commented: “Lark Energy has played a leading role in demonstrating how large-scale renewable energy can be deployed quickly, and with the support of the local community, to help the UK address its carbon reduction and energy security requirements.
“We are delighted that Charnwood Borough Council has granted us planning permission for the project at Wymeswold Airfield and look forward to working with the Council, the landowners and Hazel Capital in realising the delivery of this exciting project.”
Lark Energy has a strong track record in developing large-scale PV plants on former military airfields. In August the company confirmed that it is planning to build a 30MW solar farm at Ellough airfield in Suffolk, UK. This proposal follows similar plans for a 30MW park at Stradishall Airfield in Suffolk and a 30MW park at Wymesford Airfield in Leicestershire, which were announced in February and June, respectively.