Secretary of State grants planning permission for Green Belt Solar facility that will deliver 135.9% biodiversity net gain A planning application has received approval at the highest level for a major solar and battery energy storage facility on green belt land at Kenilworth, Warwickshire. The permitted scheme will be connected via an underground cable to Berkswell substation and the solar farm will have a lifespan of 40 years. The proposal, lodged by Enso Green Holdings, went to a public inquiry in February 2024. The Secretary of State agreed with the Inspector that the project’s contribution towards “meeting the need for renewable energy”, “generating electricity locally”, “reducing dependency on other electricity generating power sources” and “increasing renewable energy capacity in this area” carried “substantial weight”. Ministers also agreed that continued grazing of sheep on the land would benefit soil health. The new development will occupy an area in excess of 170,000 square feet and will store energy from the network at times of low demand and high production. It will be removed after 40 years. Planning permission was granted on 23 July 2024. A copy of the Appeal Decision can be read below. #batteryenergystoragesystems #anglorenewables #netzero #BESS

Posted by milliecoleman at 2024-08-19 09:24:44 UTC