FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are wind and solar being considered?
Wind and solar tend to generate at different times, so combining the two technologies can help to maximise the energy generation from the site, making best use of the available land and the limited grid capacity.
For this reason we would love to include both, however it’s possible that we will need to focus on wind only, in order to improve financial viability.
What makes this a suitable location?
The site is well suited to wind and solar for several reasons. The wind speeds are good and there is plenty of space available, well away from houses, roads and trees. Visually, the wind turbine will be in keeping with an existing turbine on the other side of the M4, and visibility of the solar farm from public areas will be quite limited. The land is of low agricultural quality (Grade 4), and currently being used for growing grass.
What will the project look like?
The wind turbine will be similar in appearance but taller than the existing turbine on the other side of the M4. The blades will rotate slowly, completing a full rotation every few seconds. At the base of the turbine there will be an area of hardstanding, to allow for construction and future maintenance.
The solar panels will be black, mounted in rows facing due south, with a height of around 3 metres. The grassland between rows and around the array will be managed to provide benefits for wildlife. There will also be a stone access track serving both the wind turbine and solar array.
Who will own the project? Can I invest?
BEC will fund the project through community fundraising and ethical loans. Local people will be able to invest in the cooperative in the form of shares or bonds. Every shareholder becomes a part owner of BEC’s projects and has an equal say in how the cooperative is run. Bondholders don’t become BEC members but will have a guaranteed yearly return.
What are the key benefits?
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Enough renewable electricity to power at least 1,500 homes
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Biodiversity improvements including a new area of species-rich grassland alongside the stream to the north of the site
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More than £12,000 in community benefits in the first year. The community benefit fund would also increase annually with inflation
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All surplus revenue will be directed towards community benefit funds and new community energy projects
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Community shareholders and bondholders will receive interest payments on their investment, which is likely to be around 5%
Where will the electricity end up?
The electricity generated will connect straight into the electrical grid, however we are also exploring options for ‘virtually’ connecting the electricity to local homes or businesses, which may allow consumers to save on their energy bills when the project is generating. There are some complex challenges around this to do with sector regulations, but we’ll be doing our best to find a solution if we can, as we feel this would be a perfect fit for community energy.
What stage is the project at?
We are currently finalising the choice of turbine and revising the site layout accordingly. We have already been working on site design, ecology, agricultural land classification, landscape and visual impact, transport and noise impact.
We are now preparing to continue with the other necessary planning studies including heritage and archaeology, transport, glint and glare and shadow flicker. We aim to submit a planning application before the end of 2026.
How will the project impact existing habitats on the site?
The selection and design of the site aims to avoid impacts on ecology and biodiversity where possible. The site is mainly comprised of poor quality arable land.
We are designing the site access to minimise impacts on the River Boyd. Along the river, we will create a biodiversity buffer zone with improved grassland habitat, helping to protect wildlife and enhance the river's ecology.
Any small sections of hedgerows which require removal to facilitate access will be mitigated with plenty of additional planting to ensure an overall net improvement in hedgerows across the site.
We are also proposing seeding underneath the new ground-mount solar PV to create a species-rich grassland habitat.
What are we doing to improve biodiversity at the site?
We have undertaken a Preliminary Ecological Assessment of the site and conducted follow-up ecological surveys.
The PEA finds that the overall impact of the project on habitats will be a minor positive, with provision on new habitat to be secured by planning conditions.
Bird surveys have been undertaken and will inform construction management and site design to ensure that we minimise any potential impacts. Bat surveys and assessment of trees for roosts have been completed; so far all signs suggest there will be no adverse impact.
The overall impact on habitats from the development will be positive. We aim to significantly exceed the planning requirement of 10% biodiversity net gain.