Solar farm proposed north of Hertford

Plans have been submitted for a 24 megawatt solar farm on a 20 hectare site north of Ware Park Farm.

The proposals have been submitted by The Farm Energy Company and cover three fields between Bengeo and Ware. The site is surrounded by mature woodland and are generally delineated by low hedgerows and existing mature planting. The surrounding area is a mix of agriculture, along with a smal number of industrial buildings.

The plans include additional boundary planting to improve screening from both short and long views of the site.

The solar farm would be unmanned other than for vegetation management, equipment maintenance and servicing of components.

The installation is expected to operate for a period of 40 years, after which the site would be restored to grassland.

Elsewhere in the county, North Herts District Council has recently approved plans for an 85 hectare solar farm on green belt land near Great Wymondley and Graveley, whilst Hertsmere Council have rejected plans for a 130 hectare site between Radlett and Elstree.