Nickerlands Solar Farm
Introducing nickerlands
Where is the proposed solar farm?
Nickerlands Solar Farm is a renewable energy project to be developed on land at Berwick Lane, Stanford Rivers, Ongar, CM5 9PX.
The planning application [REF: EPF/1546/24] which can be accessed by clicking here was approved by Epping Forest District Council.
The solar farm will produce enough clean, renewable electricity to power approximately 6,011 homes per year. It will also offset approximately 5,700 tonnes of CO2 per year.
The development will be located on land at Berwick Lane, Stanford Rivers, Ongar, CM5 9PX.
The site extends to approximately 34 hectares and will be located in several fields which are currently used for agriculture.
In addition to having solar panels on the site, the proposal also includes biodiversity and landscape enhancement measures, such as new hedgerow planting and gapping up of existing hedgerows.
Construction access will be from the south and operational access from the eastern boundary.
Once operational, there will be minimal traffic generated by the proposals. The development is temporary (40 years). The site will be restored to prior use once the proposed development has been decommissioned.
Benefits
It will assist Epping Forest District Council in meeting its pledge to become a carbon-neutral authority by 2030, in addition to supporting its response to the Climate Emergency the Council declared in 2019.
The proposed development will contribute towards the security of energy supply in the UK through the provision of local, renewable energy supply.
No public rights of way will be closed during or after construction of the solar farm.
New tree and hedgerow planting is proposed alongside planting to gap up existing hedgerows. This will contribute to the biodiversity and landscape scheme which will be developed as part of the proposed solar farm.
This is a temporary development, allowing the land to rest for the period of operation up to 40 years.
The proposed solar farm will not require Government subsidy.
Anglo Renewables is committed to using local suppliers during construction and operation where possible.
Climate Emergency
A Climate Emergency was declared by Epping Forest District Council and a motion passed to do everything in its power to become a carbon neutral District by 2030.
The Council have also drafted a Climate Change Action Plan that was approved in April 2022. The Action Plan identifies the main sources of carbon emissions, both within the Council’s own operations and across the District, and outlines actions to reduce them.
Community Benefit
We hope to set up a community benefit fund of £25,000 which will be invested in suitable community projects directly benefitting local residents.
This project is subject to local business rates and will generate significant income for Epping Forest District Council. Over its lifecycle, this project will generate millions of pounds which will help fund local services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why here?
Solar farms have to be located where there is suitable land to accommodate the scheme, as well as where grid connection is available. A detailed assessment of the site has been conducted with the land in question meeting the required criteria. Extra consideration was given to the area due to Essex’s increasing renewable credentials.
Will the solar farm change the land classification?
The solar farm is a temporary development and will not change the land classification from agricultural greenfield to commercial/industrial brownfield. In effect, it will continue to be available for grazing after construction of the solar project is completed.
The solar farm will allow the land to be utilised productively, while also bringing an array of biodiversity benefits with it.
Are solar farms noisy?
No. Solar panels themselves emit no noise. While minimal resonance is emitted from the inverters and transformer, this is quieter than a normal conversation between two people.
Contact Us
Please provide your contact details if you wish to get a response.
Please view Alpaca Communications’ privacy policy here.