Oaklands Farm Solar Park

Location near Rosliston and Walton-on-Trent, South Derbyshire

Project Overview

Oaklands Farm Solar Park is a 152.4 MW renewable energy project being delivered by BayWa r.e.. The project received planning consent in June 2025 and is progressing through pre-construction and early delivery stages.

This page provides updates on construction activity and key milestones to keep the local community informed. Contact details are provided at the end of the page should you have any questions.

Project Update

The project is currently in the pre-construction phase, where essential preparatory work is carried out before the main build begins. Construction is currently expected to start in April–May 2026.

Recent and ongoing activities include:

  • Site investigations to inform the final design, including geotechnical surveys completed in January 2026.

  • Environmental surveys, including ecology work, to help protect local wildlife and habitats.

  • Archaeological surveys (January – March 2026) carried out to meet planning conditions and safeguard heritage features.

Updates will continue to be shared as the project progresses toward construction.

Construction Timeline

Construction is expected to begin in April 2026, once preparatory works are complete. The build phase is anticipated to take approximately 20–24 months, with the solar farm expected to become operational at the end of 2027, when it will begin generating renewable electricity.

(Timings are indicative and may change as construction progresses)

Planning consent granted

June 2025 under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime

Discharge of planning requirements

ongoing

Initial works (haul road and cable route)

expected to begin in spring 2026

Main solar installation and infrastructure works

anticipated for summer 2026

Solar farm operational

targeted for end of 2027

Managing Construction Activity

During construction, some short-term temporary changes are expected in the local area. These will be carefully managed to minimise disruption wherever possible.

  • Some additional construction vehicles will use approved routes.

  • A new private access road from Walton Road will help reduce traffic impacts on local roads.

  • Delivery times will be planned carefully, and any significant vehicle movements will be communicated in advance where possible.

  • Work will follow approved working hours and environmental limits.

  • Higher-noise activities will be scheduled considerately.

  • Dust control measures (such as water suppression and careful material handling) will help keep the site safe and tidy.

  • Work will follow approved environmental plans and planning conditions.

  • Ecological specialists will oversee sensitive areas where needed to safeguard wildlife and habitats.

  • Measures will be in place to protect nearby watercourses and manage drainage responsibly.   

  • Landscaping and habitat management will be ongoing as work progresses.

The construction activity is temporary, and we are committed to minimising impacts while keeping the community informed as the project moves forward.

More about the Project

The development comprises a solar farm plus energy storage facility covering approximately 400 acres at Oaklands Farm.

The expected generating capacity of the project at this stage is 152.4 MW of solar power, and up to 37.5 MW of energy storage capacity.

The project will connect to the grid via an underground cable to Drakelow Substation located to the north of the site.

Community and Local Benefits

The project will bring several benefits to the local area, including:

  • Community benefit fund of £55,000 a year indexed linked over the operational life of the project.

  • Contribution to local business rates.

  • Additional hedgerow planting and habitat management improvements.

  • Grasslands and wildflower enhancements.

  • Reduced fertiliser and herbicide use, improving soil health.

  • Local business opportunities during construction and operation.

Stay Informed

We are committed to keeping the local community updated throughout the construction phase.

Check this page regularly for the latest updates at key milestones.

If you’d like to receive occasional updates by email, you can contact the project team to join the project mailing list.

Contact the Construction Team

Please get in touch if you have any questions or require further information.

Heli Felix Nascimento
Solar Project Manager
+44 1414 680 580
Write an email