Perrinpit Road Solar Farm

About the Project

BayWa r.e. UK Ltd. (BayWa r.e.) and Grüne Energien Solar (GE) submitted a planning application for a solar farm to be installed on land at Perrinpit Farm in Frampton Cotterell. The expected generating capacity of the project is up to 49.9 MW of solar power, which is enough energy to supply approximately 15,000 homes annually with clean, renewable energy. The application was consented by South Gloucestershire Council in September 2022.

The Perrinpit Road Solar Farm project was sold to Octopus Energy Generation in September 2024.

Ecology
Our team of ecologists, engineers, and planning experts conducted studies to assess the proposed solar farm, and the local planning authority determined that the proposed solar farm would have limited impact on the surrounding area.
Proposed biodiversity improvements included:
- Planting 30 acres of new wildflower meadow and grassland;
- Planting 1,700 metres of new hedgerow;
- Planting 99 new trees.
Landscape and Visual
To assess landscape and visual impact, we employed a specialist to identify locations where the solar farm might be visible and provide recommendations for using hedgerows, trees and other physical features to screen the solar farm as much as possible. In line with consultation feedback, we have amended the proposed substation location to reduce visual impact upon public rights of way. The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment report submitted in support of the planning application found that the proposed layout is suitable, and the visual impact would be limited.
Why here?
1. Solar irradiation is high in this area;
2. Relatively flat and unobstructed land;
3. Good access for construction and maintenance;
4. Connection to the electricity grid nearby.
Access
- The solar farm will be built around the existing public rights of way.
- During construction, temporary diversions will be implemented where necessary to ensure public safety.
- Public rights of way will be retained for the life of the solar farm.

Site Layout

The BayWa r.e./Grϋne Energien Solar project team and our external specialists worked hard to find the best design for the project, making sure that all decisions are made with the following constraints in mind:

Technical (topography, flood risk, traffic and access etc.)
Environmental (wildlife, habitats, landscape and visual effects etc.)

Until the solar farm is actually built, modifications to the design will be required. The project is now owned by Octopus Energy Generation, who are responsible for design changes.

Benefits of Solar Energy

49.9MW of renewable energy supply to help the UK meet its legally binding net zero targets.
Producing enoughclean, renewable electricity to power up to 15,000 homes each year.
Agricultural use can continue within the solar farm throughout the life of the project. There will be spaces between the solar panels for sheep to graze. Once decommissioned, the land will be returned to its previous condition and the soil will possibly have benefitted from not being intensively farmed for up to 40 years.
Biodiversity improvement of the site, including:
- 1,700 m of new hedgerows;
- 140 acres of planting (wildflower meadows and natural grasses);
- Habitat creation and enhanced biodiversity.
Job creation – up to 20 jobs for construction period, 2-3 long term jobs (maintenance, operations and security).
Community benefits - a community benefit of £10,000 per annum once the project is operational.

The Need for the Project

The proposed solar farm would generate up to 49.9 MW of low carbon renewable energy for the life of the project (40 years), which would help the UK government meet its legally binding target under the Climate Change Act 2008 to achieve a 'net zero' carbon account by 2050. The government strongly supports the increased use of low carbon energy generation and is developing policy to promote a cleaner environment and a greener economy.

South Gloucestershire Council is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and in July 2019 the council declared a climate emergency, pledging to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and ensuring 100% renewable energy across the area by 2050.