Welcome to the information page for our proposed 50MW Chilberry Solar Farm Project.
This page includes details about our current plans for the site, and ways to share your feedback.
We chose this site after careful consideration, and a wide range of environmental assessments informed this decision. This page includes details about our current plans for the site, and ways to share your feedback.
The land identified for the solar project can be viewed on what3words’ interactive map here:
- Northern area ///august.code.refreshed
- Central area ///model.towers.craftsmen
- Southern area ///ally.grad.stylists
Project key facts
- The proposed solar farm could have a generating capacity of up to 50MW (megawatts), generating enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 26,053 homes.
- Estimates show the project could save around 26,100 tonnes of CO₂ each year.
- The project is expected to operate for around 40 years before the equipment is removed and the land is restored.
- The proposals include new hedgerows, tree planting, wildflower grassland and habitat creation to enhance biodiversity across the site.
- The land could continue to support agricultural use through sheep grazing where appropriate, while reduced cultivation over the lifetime of the project will allow soils to recover.
- As part of the planning process, Conrad Energy will demonstrate that the development delivers a measurable biodiversity gain.
What happens next?
It’s important to us that the local community remains informed of our plans for the site and has the opportunity to learn more.
Throughout the planning process we will consult with the local community and key stakeholders on the developing design for the project.
We are hosting a consultation event to present detailed information, listen to feedback and answer your questions on Wednesday 29 July from 3.30pm to 7.00pm at East Worldham Village Hall, Opposite Church Lane, East Worldham, GU34 3AZ.
Proposed design
FAQs
General
The site was identified following detailed technical and environmental assessment. It offers access to nearby available grid capacity while allowing the proposals to work with the existing field pattern and landscape.
Before identifying this location as a suitable site, Conrad Energy considered a range of factors including:
- Proximity to available grid capacity.
- Landscape and visual impact.
- Flood risk.
- Ecology and biodiversity.
- Archaeology and heritage.
- Agricultural land quality.
- Access for construction and maintenance.
- Located within the identified ‘technical opportunity areas’ and areas with lower levels of sensitivity for large scale solar developments in East Hampshire District Council’s Renewable and Low Carbon Study in 2018.
The proposed site consists of several smaller parcels of land rather than one large block, helping reduce visual impact within the surrounding countryside.
The site incorporates Grade 3 and some Grade 2 agricultural land, so is suitable for development. The site is predominantly outside areas at risk of flooding and natural drainage measures will be introduced to protect the site and its surroundings. Existing hedgerows and mature vegetation provide natural screening, with further planting proposed to strengthen landscape integration and improve habitats for wildlife.
The UK’s electricity system is changing rapidly as the country moves away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy.
Solar energy is one of the lowest cost sources of electricity available and has a vital role to play in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy security and helping meet the UK’s legally binding net zero target.
The Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan includes a target of increasing UK solar capacity to between 45GW and 47GW by 2030, rising to around 70GW by 2035.
Chilberry Solar Farm Project will make an important contribution towards these ambitions while also supporting East Hampshire District Council’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2035.
Conrad Energy will be submitting a full planning application for Chilberry Solar Farm to East Hampshire District Council, which is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2035. This solar project will aid the county in achieving its targets.
We’re designing the project to deliver environmental improvements alongside renewable energy generation. We’re developing a biodiversity management plan that includes new planting, habitat creation and enhancements to existing hedgerows. Our aim is for the site to provide measurable ecological improvements alongside renewable energy generation.
Our proposals include:
- New native hedgerows and tree planting.
- Wildflower grassland beneath and around the solar panels.
- Habitat creation for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.
- Strengthening existing ecological corridors across the site.
Our ecological surveys will continue throughout the planning process and will help inform the final design.
The site is of an unusual design due to being small parcels of land, rather than one block of solar. This reduces the visual impact on the surrounding area. The land parcels consist of predominantly Grade 3 (a and b) agricultural land, with some Grade 2. Each land parcel has a good existing access with excellent light levels.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) has provisionally classified (Pre 1988 ALC) the soil quality of the sites as mainly Grade 3a, with some Grade 3b and Grade 2, so is suitable for solar development.
Solar farms allow land to rest without regular ploughing, fertilising and spraying with pesticides and herbicides. As well as benefitting from the rest from chemicals, we are required to demonstrate as part of the planning process that there will be a biodiversity gain on the site.
The land can support grazing beneath and around the solar panels where appropriate throughout the operational life of the project.
We expect to submit a planning application for the project in September 2026.
The solar farm will be fenced using deer fencing and wooden posts with a height of approximately 2.0m.
Solar farms do not typically generate pollution or significant noise outside of the temporary construction period. Any elements of the development which produce noise (e.g. transformers, substation, etc) will be located away from residential properties to prevent any impact on amenity.
Because more than 95% of the land remains as grass, rainwater runoff from the site will not increase and the solar arrays will not displace any floodwater. We will engage with both the local Flood and Drainage Authority and the Environment Agency throughout the planning process to aid in the design of the scheme and mitigation measures. A full Flood Risk Assessment has been commissioned and will form part of any planning application we submit.
The project is expected to operate for around 40 years. At the end of this period, the equipment will be removed and the land restored.
Construction
Traffic levels and traffic safety are important considerations for a project such as this. As part of the planning proposal, a Construction Traffic Management Plan will be submitted which identifies the route to site and sets out the rules to ensure works can be conducted safely. For example, designated times of day to minimise congestion at busy periods, avoiding problem areas/times.
A solar farm can take approximately three to four months to construct. Most of the deliveries take place during the first six weeks. After the parts have been delivered to site, there are fewer vehicle movements as the site is built in situ and then made operational. Conrad Energy will be in communication with local neighbours, so you know what to expect and when.
Once the solar farm is completed, it requires very little maintenance as it will be remotely monitored by CCTV. It may be visited 10-20 times a year by a works van or 4×4.
A Transport Statement will be submitted with the application which sets out construction routes and traffic management measures.
Consultation and engagement
You can register for updates on the project by emailing chilberry@conradenergy.co.uk, and we will keep you updated as we progress the plans. We follow all GDPR guidelines in relation to personal data and you can opt out at any time.
Please ask a question or request a call and one of the team will respond as soon as possible. You can email us on chilberry@conradenergy.co.uk
We encourage everyone who visits this site to provide feedback and comment.
For those who prefer to write to us, address correspondence to Chilberry Solar Farm Project, c/o Conrad Energy, Suites D&E Windrush Court, Blacklands Way, Abingdon, OX14 1SY and our team who will respond to you.
A further opportunity to provide comments and feedback directly to the East Hampshire District Council is available, after a planning application is submitted. Register your interest with us to be kept informed when our application is submitted.
About Conrad Energy
Conrad Energy is a leading UK energy company. We’re powering the move towards renewables through innovation and technology. We generate power to support the National Grid when renewables can’t meet demand and we buy, sell and manage energy for businesses nationally.
With a portfolio including gas, batteries, solar, wind and synchronous condensers, our more than 80 sites, operational or in construction, have a potential to generate over 900 MW of power making us one of the leading flexible energy providers in the country. Optimised and operated using our market-leading software, iON+, we’re at the forefront of shaping a more efficient energy sector that is both reliable and sustainable.
Conrad Energy has a very experienced solar development team with many years and megawatts of installed capacity.
Tell us what you think
We’d like to hear your feedback to help us shape our plans. If you have any questions please get in touch.
Email: chilberry@conradenergy.co.uk
Post: Chilberry Solar Farm Project, c/o Conrad Energy, Suites D&E Windrush Court, Blacklands Way, Abingdon, OX14 1SY