Kiln Fields, Hampshire

Project Details

Enviromena has developed and constructed an 18MWp solar farm in Heckfield, which has been acquired by Blackfinch Investments. The scheme was energised in January 2025 by Enviromena’s construction team, significantly ahead of the previously planned connection schedule, thanks to the Technical Limits initiative.

LOCATION:	Heckfield, Hampshire
POWER CAPACITY:	17.95MWp
STATUS:	Completed and under O&M Management
MODULES:	Trina Solar 545Wp Bi-facial modules
NUMBER OF MODULES INSTALLED:	32,940
INVERTERS:	Sungrow SG350 String inverters
NUMBER OF INVERTERS INSTALLED:	48
CONNECTION VOLTAGE:	33kV
ENERGISATION DATE:	January 2025

What was involved

The project was identified for solar development by Enviromena’s development team in late-2020 and Enviromena’s expert land acquisition team agreed long-term lease terms with the landowner. An application for grid capacity was submitted to the DNO, SSEN.

After securing grid capacity for the project, planning activities commenced to build the planning package for the site. With part of the site previously utilised for landfill purposes, desktop studies were undertaken with our expert geotechnical specialist. Furthermore, detailed flood risk assessments were undertaken with our drainage consultants to assess potential flooding impacts created by the watercourse which runs through the site. Further engagement and flood modelling activities were undertaken at the request of the Environment Agency prior to the scheme obtaining planning consent.

Planning approval

Engagement with the local community took place virtually via video conference due to restrictions imposed the COVID pandemic and no objections were received from the local parish councils. A leaflet drop was undertaken reaching out to local homes and businesses and their feedback helped to shape the final planning application package which was submitted to Hart District Council in October 2021.

During the planning process the scheme obtained the support of all of the statutory consultees while comments from a small number of residents local to the site were addressed. Unlike a similar scheme a short distance from the site which received over five hundred objections, Enviromena’s collaborative approach to the planning and community engagement processes ensured a smooth path to obtaining planning permission.

The project received a unanimous vote at the planning committee held at Hart District Council Offices in July 2022 with committee members strongly outlining their support for this renewable scheme to be deployed at speed.

Project completed in January 2025

Following the completion of construction in late 2024 the project was energised in January 2025, and it is now injecting power into the national grid.

Management of the site

Enviromena are appointed by Blackfinch to manage the site under a long-term O&M contract, including full performance monitoring, security monitoring, preventive / reactive maintenance and landscape management.