South Fambridge Hall Solar Farm
Overview
BayWa r.e. UK took over the consented South Fambridge Hall Solar Farm project in May 2022 from British Solar Renewables (BSR). The development will be built on 70 hectares of low grade agricultural land, about 3 kilometres northeast of Hockley. Since the acquisition, our team has been busy refining the design to get the most energy output, reduce impact on the landscape, and boost the local environment and biodiversity. Once operational, the solar farm will help the UK tackle climate change and help secure its energy supplies.
South Fambridge Hall Solar Farm is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) wholly owned by Octopus Energy.
Construction
September 2025 update: The site was constructed through the summer of 2025 and was connected to the grid in early October 2025. This marks the end of major construction works at the site, after which there will be a period of snagging, landscaping and minor works to complete the project.
Restricted Delivery Times
To further reduce disruption, construction vehicles will follow a delivery schedule as detailed below:
Term time: 9 – 2.45 and 3.45 – 7pm (weekdays) to avoid peak school drop-off and pick-up times.
School holidays: 7 –7pm (weekdays)
Saturdays: 8 – 1pm
Works will not take place on Sundays or Bank Holidays.We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this project.
Managing traffic and safety
We have implemented several measures to manage the flow of vehicles and ensure safety. While we are taking steps to reduce the impact, some inconvenience may still occur, and we appreciate your understanding. To minimise the impact on local roads, construction vehicles will primarily use the A road network.
Key Facts
The site is located approximately 3 km northeast of the town of Hockley in Essex. It will connect to the grid via an existing overhead line approximately 100 m to the southwest of the site entrance.
*based on average UK consumption of 3,700 kWh per annum.
Key Benefits
The South Fambridge Hall Solar Farm is more than just a renewable energy source; it is also enhancing the local environment. After construction, the number of habitats will increase by 142%. This will involve creating native wildflower meadows, planting trees and hedgerows, and enhancing habitats for bats, newts, birds, and insects. These efforts contribute to a healthier ecosystem while reducing the carbon footprint, creating a positive impact on the surrounding area.
Community Fund
Once operational, the South Fambridge Solar Farm will contribute a one-off community benefit of £50,000. This funding is designed to support local projects and initiatives that will have a meaningful impact on your neighbourhood.