THREE MAIDS HILL, WINCHESTER
UK SOLAR
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Enviromena has developed and constructed a 25.4MWp solar farm in Winchester which has been acquired by Blackfinch Investments. The subsidy free scheme was energised in November 2022 by Enviromena’s construction team.
PROJECT DETAILS
Annual Energy Yield (MWh)
Tonnes of CO2 saved every year*
Equivalent number of homes powered**
WHAT WAS INVOLVED
The site, situated alongside the A34 near Winchester, was initially identified by Enviromena’s development team in early 2020 and grid capacity was secured for the project at the nearby Harestock substation. Following virtual community engagement during the COVID pandemic, a planning application was made to Winchester City Council in October 2020.
The site contains a scheduled monument within the project boundary and has public footpaths running through the site and as such detailed mitigation plans and landscaping features were submitted within the planning package.
PLANNING APPROVAL
Full support from the local parish councils was received and the scheme attracted less than five local objections meaning that the project could be approved by the Winchester City Council Planning Officer by means of delegated power in May 2021.
Enviromena continued to work closely with the local community throughout the construction programme including supporting local with replacement transportation methods during the connection works which led to the temporary diversion of local bus routes.
Furthermore, as part of the scheme, detailed information boards were installed adjacent to the footpaths running through the site informing users of the key benefits of the scheme and informing local people of the ancient history associated with the scheduled monument within the site.
PROJECT COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER 2022
Following the completion of construction in November 2022 the project was energised.
MANAGEMENT OF THE SITE
Enviromena are appointed by Blackfinch to manage the site following its completion under a long-term O&M contract, including full performance monitoring, security monitoring, preventive / reactive maintenance and landscape management.
PROJECT TIMELINE
Site identified by Enviromena development team and landowner approached. Grid application submitted to DNO.
Virtual consultation with parish councils local to the site (undertaken virtually due to COVID pandemic). Planning application submitted to Winchester City Council.
Project granted planning approval by Winchester City Council.
25.4MWp project energised.
*0.19338 kg per kWh (GOV.UK – 2022)
**2,700kWh per annum – average sized UK home (Ofgem)