Luminous Energy is proposing to develop a solar farm on land at Reigate RH2 8QG
The planning application for Duxhurst Solar Farm has been approved. You can still view the documents on Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s website, via this link (reference number 22/02783/F).
It is currently expected that construction of Duxhurst Solar Farm will commence in Summer 2025.
Between Autumn 2024 and Spring 2025, several surveys will take place. Some of these involve machinery being on the site, but this does not mean that the solar farm has commenced construction.
Dates will be given in advance of these surveys. Specifically, trial trenching (to check there are no archaeological items on the site); pull out tests (to determine how deep the solar mounting structures need to go), and geotechnical tests (to check soil conditions across the site).
Please check back here to see these dates, or email duxhurst@luminous.energy to add your name to a list to be kept directly informed of dates and activities.
The solar farm would have an approximate capacity of 25MWp and generate an estimated 25,000MWh of clean electricity per year. This is equivalent to the annual electricity needs of approximately 6,500 average UK homes.
Careful site selection and design has produced a scheme that maximises the potential to capture solar energy whilst minimising impacts on the environment and local landscape. There is an extreme lack of suitable sites with grid capacity for connecting solar farms in the south east of England.
Following extensive design reviews and consultation with local residents, the size of the proposed solar farm has been reduced. This means that panels were removed from the southern areas of the site where the visual impact of the solar panels was deemed to be highest. A proposed permissive right of way has also been incorporated into the design running through the central area of solar panels following comments from residents.
A community benefit fund of £10,000 every year that the solar farm is in operation will be set up for local initiatives – for example this could be used to help those struggling with their energy bills.
The solar farm will result in a biodiversity net gain of 15% in habitat units and 12% in hedgerow units through the following initiatives being implemented (see Landscape and Environmental Management Plan for more details).
A biodiversity area will be sown on 4.4 hectares of the site in gaps between the security fencing and hedgerows to develop into predominantly a wildflower meadow.
Dead wood piles will be created around the Site for invertebrate interest. And bird and bat boxes will be installed in suitable habitats around the site.Â
The ponds on-site will be enhanced for biodiversity by:
- Creation of hibernacula for amphibians (comprised of stones uncovered during construction, piled up with soil on top and covered with turf/seeded).
- Cutting back of trees/shrubs which may be casting excessive shade and leaf litter.
- Planting of native marginal and aquatic plants if vegetation cover and egg-laying material appears to be limited.
It would assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with local and national targets.
We will also encourage involvement from local primary school aged children to decorate bird and bat boxes and create “insect hotels”
No public rights of way would be closed during or after construction of the solar farm.
The proposed solar farm would not rely on any government subsidies
A community benefit fund would be agreed prior to construction
A range of ecological enhancements are being considered as part of the application. These include, areas of wildflower and bird seed mix, bat and bird boxes and revitalisation of existing ponds to encourage pond life such as newts. The solar farm would have a significant positive net biodiversity impact.