A planning application is being prepared for the South Bockhampton Solar Farm on land to the east of Burton.

The proposed solar farm will generate over 53,000MWh of renewable electricity each year, which is enough energy to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 14,850 homes and positively offset approximately 11,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.

Introducing South Bockhampton Solar Farm

Our Proposal

The proposed solar farm is situated to the east of Burton on what are, currently, intensively managed arable fields.

The design of the solar farm includes measures to significantly enhance biodiversity. This will be achieved through the introduction of species-rich grassland (good for wildlife) which will allow agricultural activities to continue on the site, but at a much lower intensity.

The solar farm will provide a range of benefits over and above the production of renewable electricity, in particular food production and the improvement
of biodiversity. The establishment of a biodiverse pasture, with sheep able to graze between and under the panels, will allow the soil to rest and recover whilst continuing to provide pasture for local shepherds.

Will Carter and his daughters are local shepherds with a growing presence in the area. Their flock currently graze a number of local solar farms.

The replanting of historic hedgerows will not only bring back to life lost elements of the historic landscape, but also provide valuable shelter and an improved habitat for a wide range of wildlife species.

  • Provide a significant set off from the village of Burton, with careful consideration to limit effects on landscape, heritage, and ecological designations.

  • Fit within restored historic field boundaries. We will replant extensive lengths of historic but now-lost hedgerows which will enhance biodiversity and provide further screening of the solar farm.

  • Provide support to local farmers by providing pasture for local shepherds.

  • Deliver biodiversity and ecological enhancements to improve aspects of the local environment that can be enjoyed by local people.

Our approach to design

  • Maintain public rights of way through and around the site.

  • Assist BCP Council in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with local and national targets in response to the Climate Emergency.

  • Allow the land to rest from the current arable farming activities for the period of operation.

  • Provide opportunities for local employment during the construction and operational phase of the project.

 

We held a public consultation event on 23rd of November, 2023, at Burton Community Centre, Sandy Plot, Burton, BH23 7NH, (2pm — 7pm).

Thank you to everyone who attended.

Public Consultation Event

Key Statistics

Homes powered every year

14,850

tonnes of CO2 offset every year

11,000

900

metres historic hedgerows will be replanted

Climate Emergency

BCP Council took the step towards addressing the climate crisis by acknowledging that climate change is a “serious risk to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s future” and declaring a climate emergency in July 2019. The Council have committed to becoming carbon neutral ahead of the national target of 2050.

Net Zero

In 2019, the UK became the first country in the world to declare a Climate Emergency. It has subsequently committed to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. In October 2021 the UK Government set out its Net Zero commitments and obligations in the ‘Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener’. Amongst a number of initiatives, it confirms that by 2035 all our electricity will need to come from low carbon sources.

Contact

Please provide your contact details if you wish to get a response.

Any information provided will only be used for the purpose of the planning application to the Local Planning Authority and will not be disclosed with any third parties.

Please view Alpaca Communications’ privacy policy here.