Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) has been granted planning consent for a 20MW solar farm which, when operational, enables the landowner to continue farming through ongoing sheep grazing.
The Limes Farm solar fark in Bourne, Lincolnshire, will support diversification of the landowner’s business as well as making a major contribution to national and local renewable energy targets.
As part of a community benefit package for the project, DRD will provide up to 80 local homes with free domestic solar panel installations in addition to £100,000 being provided to Bourne Town Council to spend on local projects.
Tony Gannon, Head of Downing Renewable Developments said: “We were delighted to have received strong support from the local planning committee when determining our Limes Farm Solar project and in particular the weight they placed on the importance of farmers being able to choose to diversify income from their agricultural land. The development has been designed with the landscape, biodiversity, and community in mind. It helps to sustain an ongoing farming business, while contributing positively to the environment and energy security.”