Planning consent secured for Cornwall solar project

Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, has secured planning consent for Speedwell Solar Farm, a 40MW scheme  in the village of Gwinear in Cornwall.

Speedwell provides a unique opportunity to enhance the biodiversity value of the site, which is currently predominantly arable land, including an area of the site north of Gwinear Community Primary School to be used as a wildlife area and educational resource for the school. This will enhance pupils’ access to nature and act as gateway to learn about different aspects of the natural environment.

A new car park will also be provided to the west of at the site entrance, providing around 50 new car parking spaces. The car park will be used for construction vehicles during the construction period, and then afterwards will be made available for use by the primary school.  

In addition to producing clean, home-grown energy, this new solar farm will also provide a number of other benefits, including the above mentioned community benefits, the enhancement of local biodiversity through hedgerow and tree planting, and the creation of new wildlife habitats throughout the site.

Speedwell Solar Farm will also deliver annual Community Benefit Funding during its 40-year operational period . Construction is expected to begin in 2027.

Tim MacKellar, Statkraft’s Senior Solar Project Manager, said: “Once constructed, Speedwell Solar Farm will mean more home-grown power on Great Britain’s grid network. It will help achieve greater energy security, keeping bills stable for consumers and businesses, and reducing our reliance on expensive and volatile overseas gas supplies. We are delighted to have secured consent for this scheme.

“Statkraft are committed to being a good neighbour and look forward to continuing our dialogue with the local community as we work towards construction. Speedwell will also deliver community benefit funding once the project is operational, as well as other initiatives such as boosting biodiversity on site."