Energy

Solar firm calls for locals in Devon to get involved in designing new project

Published

11 years ago

February 23, 2014

Blue & Green Tomorrow

Lightsource Renewable Energy has asked people living near a new solar site in Devon to help shape the solar farm through landscape management and wildlife conservation plans.

The firm has plans to build a solar farm near Bucks Cross but wants to involve the local community in designing and planning the facility.

Business development director at Lightsource Renewable Energy Conor McGuigan commented, “The way a solar farm is laid out means that less than a third of the land actually contains any infrastructure. In the case of our proposal close to Bucks Cross, this means that 19 out of the planned 27 acres of grassland within the solar farm remain completely open and uncovered.

“The grassland, historic hedgerows and field margins all need to be responsibly cared for and this involves much more than just technical solar expertise. There are many ways local residents and businesses can get involved – from the point of design right through to construction, fencing, and enhancing habitats for local wildlife.”

The firm has therefore called for people with skills and expertise in wildlife, traffic and landscape management. The solar farm will be able to power 1,300 homes with clean electricity.

Lightsource will host an information evening on February 25 at Woolsery Sports and Community Hall, Woolfardisworthy, to collect thoughts and suggestions from the community.

In related news, the company announced this week that it had purchased the rights for another solar farm development in Cornwall, able to provide electricity to 100,000 UK households. The project will be developed on low-grade agricultural land, which will still be left to sheep for grazing.