Bluebell Wood Solar Farm
Bluebell Wood Solar Farm, a new solar project, located on land adjacent to the A361, East of Rode. The project will generate up to 49.9 megawatts (MW), producing enough clean renewable energy to cover the annual electrical consumption of over 14,000 homes each year.
The project received full planning permission in July 2024, under application number 2023/2183/FUL.
Welcome to
Bluebell Wood Solar Farm
Low Carbon is bringing forward a new renewable energy project along with the infrastructure needed to export the electricity it generates to the local network operator, Southern & Scottish Energy (SSE).
Bluebell Wood Solar Farm, located on land adjacent to the A361, East of Rode, will generate approximately 49.9 megawatts (MW), producing enough clean renewable energy to cover the annual electrical consumption of over 16,000 homes each year.
The solar farm, co-located with battery storage will contribute to supporting our transition to a low carbon energy system while securing the energy needs for Great Britain whilst helping to reach our commitment of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Bluebell Wood Solar Farm is proposed for a period of 40 years, after which the modules would be decommissioned and removed from the land and as many items will be recycled or re-purposed as possible.
We have submitted a full planning application to Somerset Council (application reference number: 2023/2183/FUL). Please find the link here: https://publicaccess.mendip.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=S3WYXFKPIAO00
Site Location
The extent of land available to build Bluebell Wood Solar Farm, located on land adjacent to the A361 and to the east of the village of Rode. The site is situated on 78 hectares (192 acres) of agricultural land.
Point of connection
The electricity generated by the solar panels is proposed to connect into the local distribution network operator, via an existing pylon along the southeast boundary of the site. A transformer substation compound would be built to step up the voltage to the be fed into the grid.
Construction information
The construction period is expected to last around 30 weeks. During the construction period, it is estimated that there will be an average of 7 HGV trips per day. Whilst this figure is an average, there will often be a higher volume earlier in the construction period and less towards the end. It is proposed that construction working hours would be as follows:08:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday08:00 - 13:00 Saturday
Access information
The proposed construction route will access the site using the A361 from the north and south. The proposed maintenance and construction route will access the site using existing accesses:The land to the south of the A361 is proposed to be accessed from Monkley Lane, using an existing Farm entrance.The north eastern land is proposed to be accessed via an existing field gateway on the A361.The north western land is proposed to be accessed from Rode Hill via an existing Rode Hill Fisheries access.The northern parcel is proposed to be accessed via the Rode Hill Fisheries access.We have engaged a Highways Consultant to advise us of the best route. A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) has been agreed with the Local Highways Authority, ahead of any construction.How will the site be accessed after construction?Gates would be installed at the site access point for maintenance access. It is expected that around 3-4 cars/vans would visit the site each week (generally averaging less than 1 a day).
Where will the energy go?
The electricity generated by the solar panels is proposed to connect into the local distribution network operator, via an existing pylon along the southeast boundary of the site. From there the power will likely be distributed locally
- south to Frome, east to Rode, and north to Wingfield, before joining the main lines into the wider UK transmission lines.The renewable energy produced from our solar farm connects into a high voltage (HV) cable. As the electricity travels through the local network, it feeds into the low voltage (LV) cables, which power households and commercial sites (e.g. switching on lights / boiling a kettle).
Timeline
- March 2023
Pre-Planning Council Consultation
- March to April 2023
EIA Screening & Parish Consultation
- May 2023
Community Consultation
- Summer 2023
Potential planning application submission to Somerset Unitary Authority
- Winter 2023
District Council will consider and determine the application
- Summer 2024/35
Earliest commencement of Construction (if planning permission is granted)
Additional Information
We have now submitted a full planning application to Somerset Council (application reference number: 2023/2183/FUL). Please find the link here: https://publicaccess.mendip.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=S3WYXFKPIAO00
Benefits
Across our UK-wide portfolio of renewable energy projects, we have championed biodiversity as a critical milestone on the journey towards a low-carbon future.
Across all our solar parks we work with landowners and developers to implement comprehensive land and biodiversity management programmes. Each aligns with the conditions and circumstances unique to its site. Yet while we are pledged to protecting existing flora and fauna, most parks benefit still more from the introduction of extensive new planting and husbandry measures.
As sites mature, ongoing development will realise an increasing diversity of habitats and species: from meadows, hedgerows, wildflowers and woodland to sheep, bees, birds, bats, reptiles and invertebrates.
Biodiversity
It is important that the site is improved for nature and shows a biodiversity net gain, thus helping to protect and improve new and existing habitats whilst allowing the land to recover from a monocultural environment. We are thereby creating a species rich haven for wildlife.
Planning conditions tend to require both a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and a Landscape and Biodiversity Management Plan (LBMP) to be submitted for approval. The former deals with the construction process measures whilst the latter deals with post-construction measures and those throughout the operation of the project.
Sheep
We work in partnership with the landowner or local shepherds to provide
a unique and innovative space for sheep to graze amongst the solar panels which provide protection in both summer and winter.Grazing sheep at our sites has proved to be hugely popular amongst our landlords for several reasons, notably because the sites are secure which means the sheep are safe and the solar modules provide shelter from the winds and shade from the sun and rain.
Beehives
We encourage the siting of beehives within the solar farm, which not only helps to pollinate nearby crops and plants but provides a secure environment with readily available food sources. The hives are tended by trained local beekeepers to ensure the health and welfare of the bees.
PROW
We would look to keep the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) open throughout construction and operation of the solar farm. If possible and to maintain the enjoyment of these paths we look to include buffers of meadow or wildflower planting and a thick hedgerow to help screen direct views of the solar farm.
Planting
Our sites are designed around existing hedgerows and trees. We look
to enhance the site with additional planting of native species of hedgerows, trees, pasture-mix grasses and wildflowers.
FAQs
Low Carbon is the developer of this project and we will use the information gathered at the end of the consultation period to advise on the development of the proposed solar farm.
Here is a selection of questions that have been asked relating to solar farm installations/builds.
Why here?
Low Carbon has carefully identified this site as part of a detailed feasibility process to deliver a large-scale clean energy scheme. Many factors are considered by our specialists when evaluating appropriate sites for development. These include considering the available grid locally as well as various planning and environmental constraints.
Solar offers a low cost, safe and low carbon way of delivering clean power to meet this target as well as reduce the levels of carbon dioxide that are being emitted into the atmosphere by replacing electricity generation from fossil fuels.
Are there any health risks associated with being in close proximity to solar panels and energy storage facilities?
Solar panel arrays do emit electric and magnetic fields (EMF) in the same extremely low frequency ranges as electrical appliances and wiring found in most houses and buildings.
The average daily background exposure to magnetic fields is estimated to be around one mG (milligauss – the unit used to measure magnetic field strength), but can vary considerably depending on a person’s exposure to EMF from household electrical devices and wiring.
The lowest exposure level that has been potentially associated with a health effect is three mG. Measurements at three commercial PV arrays in Massachusetts demonstrated that their contributions to off-site EMF exposures were low (less than 0.5 mG at the site boundary), which is consistent with the drop off of EMF strength based on distance from the source (2015, Clean Energy Results).
Will there be visual impacts from Bluebell Wood Solar Farm?
As part of our ongoing work to determine the design of the project, we are undertaking surveys to ensure the visual impact of the Solar Farm on the local landscape is minimised. This will include screening and the installation of other mitigation measures in the appropriate locations around the perimeter of the land available for the project.
Will Bluebell Wood Solar Farm use land that could be used from growing crops for food production?
There is always a balance to be found when new development comes forward, with many factors and impacts to consider. Due to its proposed location, Bluebell Wood Solar Farm is sited amongst predominantly pastureland and some arable land, therefore, will potentially utilise land that could be used for agricultural production. However, the land take involved is minimal in the context of food production across Somerset and allows clean energy to be generated at greater scale and efficiency than rooftop alternatives.
Will the solar farm cause any glint and glare?
Solar panels are designed to absorb light and not to reflect it. They pose little risk of glint or glare. Testament to this fact is the installation of solar panels at Gatwick Airport, alongside major roads and beside sports car raceways such as the ‘Top Gear’ test track.
Where will the energy go?
The electricity generated by the solar panels is proposed to connect into the local distribution network operator, via an existing pylon along the southeast boundary of the site. From there the power will likely be distributed locally
- south to Frome, east to Rode, and north to Wingfield, before joining the main lines into the wider UK transmission lines.
The renewable energy produced from our solar farm connects into a high voltage (HV) cable. As the electricity travels through the local network, it feeds into the low voltage (LV) cables, which power households and commercial sites (e.g. switching on lights / boiling a kettle).
Key Project Documents
In this section, you will find key information about the project which you able to download and view or print at home.