Thanet Council Approve Plans for Hengrove Solar Farm
Hengrove Solar Farm Approved at Committee
As of 22nd May, the planning committee at Thanet District Council granted planning approval for our proposed solar site at Hengrove Farm in Manston, despite an officer recommendation for refusal. This marks a significant milestone for IB Energy and our commitment to renewable energy.
Hengrove will have an operational life of 40 years before the land is reinstated to its former agricultural use. The site covers 41.55 hectares of land in Manston and has a generating capacity of 30MW. Hengrove will power approximately 9,458 homes annually, with an estimated saving of 6,114 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, significantly contributing towards the UK's Net Zero target.
Benefits for Landowners
Solar farms offer landowners a reliable and sustained source of income, ensuring financial stability over the long term. By diversifying the use of their land, these landowners can tap into renewable energy markets, reducing their dependence on traditional farming alone. Additionally, solar farms contribute to environmental benefits, such as soil rejuvenation. The land beneath the solar panels often undergoes less disturbance and can be managed with techniques that enhance soil health. This improved soil condition supports crop growth, benefiting agriculture for many generations to come.
In this way, solar farms not only provide financial security but also promote sustainable farming practices that preserve the land for future use.
Enhancing The Environment
Hengrove has a strong focus on supporting biodiversity net gain (BNG), which is evident in our planning application. It has been calculated that the solar farm will result in a 255.01% net gain in area habitats and a 422.03% net gain in linear habitats.
IB Energy will plant 2.6 miles of native hedgerow and establish a new woodland belt extending 0.5 miles. Additionally, we will create a new wildlife pond and a wildflower meadow, designed to support pollinators, insects, and birds.
To facilitate the free movement of local wildlife, we propose to install mammal gates throughout the area.
These initiatives collectively aim to enhance biodiversity and promote a healthy ecosystem.
Special Acknowledgement
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Wardell Armstrong for their exceptional planning work and to the committee members for recognising the importance of this project in addressing the climate emergency declared by Thanet Council.