A planning application has been submitted for a new Solar PV Array and Battery Storage Facility in the Alfreton area.
Applicants ‘JBM Solar Projects 28’ are asking North East Derbyshire District Council (NEDDC) for permission to build a ‘49.99 MW Solar PV Array and Battery Storage Facility’ at land to the North of Stretton Road, Morton, Alfreton.
The application is for: “The installation and operation of a renewable energy generating station comprising of ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays together with inverter/transformer units, BESS units, control house, substation, onsite grid connection equipment, storage containers, site access, access gates, internal access tracks, security measures, other ancillary infrastructure, and landscaping and biodiversity enhancements.”

Pictured above is the layout of the proposals for the site.

Within the Planning, Design and Access Statement which accompanies the planning application, a spokesman on behalf of applicants JBM Solar Projects 28, said: “This Planning, Design and Access Statement is submitted in support of a the installation and operation of a renewable energy generating station comprising ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays together with inverter/transformer units, control house, substation, onsite grid connection equipment, storage containers, site access, access gates, internal access tracks, security measures, other ancillary infrastructure, and landscaping and biodiversity enhancements. As stated in this report, the Solar PV and battery storage facility will have an export capacity up to 49.9MW at land to the north of Stretton Road, Morton Alfreton, DE55 6HA.
“The proposed development also incorporates Battery Storage facilities, utilising safe, flexible technology, to absorb surplus electricity at times of excess generation and release it back to the grid network at times of peak demand. In this respect, the proposed development represents a well-considered project which will make a significant contribution to promoting renewable energy use, and moving to a low carbon economy, in support of national and local planning policy and all other material considerations.
“The proposed development proposed will present a significant, positive and measurable net gain in biodiversity, and will present an increased, diversified and stable source of rural income, which contributes to the local economy by way of employment and business rates payments. The majority of the proposed development is time-limited and would be reversible.”
They added: “Taking the benefits into account, it is evident that NEDDC have historically considered solar farm developments of this calibre to be essential. Whilst the wider social, environmental and economic benefits are evident, the most pertinent is the imperative to tackle climate change, as recognised in legislation and energy policies, which clearly and decisively outweighs any harm the scheme is considered to present.
“Taking all material considerations into account it is considered the proposed development would make a material contribution to the objectives of achieving the decarbonisation of the UK’s energy production.
“Overall, this Statement demonstrates that the proposed development would accord with all relevant policies contained in the Local Plan and is in full compliance with the relevant provisions contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.”

To find out more about this application and to make a comment to the council about it, go to
here and enter the planning reference: 23/01089/FL.

To see a list of all of the recent planning applications submitted for our area – go to here

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