The company is keen to consult local residents about their proposal so they will be holding a public information event next month in Hesleden to gauge public opinion on the scheme.
Please see below for full details of the proposal and the public consultation event:
Lightsource BP is a global market leader in the funding, development and long-term management of large-scale solar projects and smart energy solutions. They work closely with local businesses and communities to supply clean, dependable and competitively-priced energy. The company are dedicated to securing a low-carbon future and meeting the dual challenge of an increased demand for energy alongside a need to reduce emissions.
Lightsource BP is committed to local community and stakeholder engagement and have appointed Instinctif Partners to assist with the community and stakeholder engagement on the proposal.
The proposal is for a 49.9 Megawatt solar farm which is equivalent to the energy needs of 13,397 houses and will deliver many environmental benefits including saving 16,865 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The solar installation has been designed to leave wide spaces around the site boundaries and between the rows of panels, leaving the majority of the fenced solar array as uncovered grassland. Further, Lightsource BP will also ensure the layout of this proposal not only maintains the existing vegetation but will plant new vegetation to further screen potential views and increase biodiversity.
We know that Durham County Council is conscious of the challenges of climate change and, through its declaration of a climate emergency earlier this year, has committed to doing all it can to reduce carbon emissions. The proposal will not only contribute to a reduction of emissions, it will also help the council in its ambition to be greener and will positively build on the work already being done as part of the ‘Altogether Greener’ initiative.
The community information event will be held on
Wednesday 4th December 2019 from 3:30pm to 7:00pm at
Hesleden Working Men’s Club, Front St, Hesleden. TS27 4PH