Bluestone Solar Farm
Where is the proposed Bluestone Solar Farm?
The project is situated on land near Bluestone Farm, Low Lands, Durham situated between Cockfield and Evenwood on a former open cast coal mine.
After an extensive search, this site was chosen for being naturally screened and having significant existing woodland buffers. The site also respects County Durham’s rich mining history and seeks to restore its status as an energy producer.
Introducing Bluestone Solar Farm
Bluefield Renewable Developments is proposing to develop a solar farm on land at Bluestone Farm, Low Lands, Durham, DL13 5AW.
The planning application has now been submitted and validated. It can be accessed on Durham County Council’s planning portal under the following reference: DM/23/00486/FPA
The solar farm would have an approximate capacity of 49.9MW. The proposed development would create enough renewable energy to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 13,000 homes. It would also offset approximately 8,700 tonnes of CO2 each year, the equivalent of taking around 5,500 cars off the road.
After an extensive search, this site was chosen for being naturally screened and having significant existing woodland buffers. The site also respects County Durham’s rich mining history and seeks to restore its status as an energy producer.
Please click on Site Layout Plan to zoom in
The Benefits
It will assist Durham County Council in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with national and local targets in response to the Climate Emergency.
It will contribute towards the security of energy supply in Durham through the provision of local, renewable energy supply.
Careful consideration has been given to the development to avoid affects on landscape, heritage or ecological designations.
There will be minimal impacts on public rights of way by the operational solar farm.
A community fund will be established to invest in local projects and initiatives.
It will have a significant positive net biodiversity impact with provision of new trees and hedgerows and ‘Biodiversity Enhancement Areas’.
This is a temporary development, allowing the land to rest for the period of operation up to 40 years.
Decommissioning and full restoration of the site at the end of life of the development will be secured via planning condition.
It will continue to be grazed by sheep once operational, thereby remaining in agricultural use
The proposed solar farm will not require Government subsidy.
Public Consultation
Tell us what you think
Please complete the feedback form you received in the post, or fill in this online questionnaire.
Founded in 2009, the Bluefield Group builds, manages and operates solar and other renewable energy projects on behalf of its clients. It currently operates over 100 solar farms in the UK with an aggregate capacity of over 610 MWp. As both a developer and operator of renewable energy projects, Bluefield seeks to build long-term relationships with landowners and the local community.
We aim to deliver high quality projects that generate significant renewable energy, have low visual impact and enhance biodiversity and land management.
For more information on Bluefield Development please visit our website.
Project Timeline
December 2022
Pre submission consultation
February 2023
Finalise proposed design and submit planning application
June 2023
Planning decision
2024
Construction
(if approved)
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