Planning go-ahead for village solar power project
A community‑led solar project in Northumberland has been given planning permission for a ground mounted solar panel array, expected to generate enough electricity for around 300 homes.
Acomb Community Energy, a not‑for‑profit Community Benefit Society formed by local residents, expects the array to generate around 829,000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity each year, significantly reducing the Parish’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The planning approval by Northumberland County Council is the latest step for the project, which can now move forward with ecological, technical and financial preparations, and continued engagement with the local community.
Guy Nicholson, a volunteer director at Acomb Community Energy, said: “Securing planning permission is a major step for the project and gives us a clear route into the next phase of work.
"Having lived in Acomb for 40 years and working in electrical engineering and grid connection of renewable energy throughout my career, I know how important it is that a project like this is delivered safely, responsibly and with the community at its heart.”
The solar array will be built in a 4-acre field on the edge of the village with the support of the landowner and tenant farmer.
The project will actively manage the area to improve biodiversity, through grassland and wildflower seeding and with enhanced hedgerows supporting pollinators and wildlife.
To date, Acomb Community Energy has secured £60,000 of funding – with support from Northern Powergrid, Northumberland County Council, the Barbour Foundation, the Roland Cookson Community Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund and the EDF Green Rigg Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.
For more information about the project, go to www.acombcommunityenergy.org.uk