Plans lodged by Northumberland Estates for solar farm to power 9,000 homes on North Tyneside

The solar farm in North Tyneside, accessed from the B1322 road to Seghill, is a major move into the renewables sector for the Duke of Northumberland’s development company.

When fully operational, the 28 megawatts capacity solar farm will offset 7,487 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Barry Spall, development planner at Northumberland Estates said: “Our goal is to help with the transition to a low carbon future through the development and management of new renewable energy assets, which support the delivery of more sustainable energy.

“The proposed plan for a solar farm aligns with the council’s ambitions to make North Tyneside carbon net zero by 2030 and will do so achieving biodiversity net gain and environmental improvements.

“Faced with increased energy costs it is prudent that the UK reduces its reliance on fossil fuels to ensure cleaner, cheaper energy sources, such as solar, are available to everyone.”

As part of the plans, existing hedgerows will be retained, strengthened, and extensive new hedgerows and tree belts would be planted to help screen the solar PV panel array from outside views.

All areas identified for solar panels will be seeded with wildflower meadow grassland and be managed carefully to increase the biodiversity and ecological conditions of the site.

The time-limited scheme will run for 40 years. At the end of its lifespan, the site will revert to agricultural land.

The company has also announced long-term plans to deliver roof-top solar energy and battery energy storage systems.

Northumberland Estates also recently applied for permission for a solar farm in Alnwick.