The proposed solar farm will cover approximately 65 hectares of farmland near Gaston Lane, east of Upper Farringdon. The land is flat and well-screened by hedgerows, and lies adjacent to an existing solar farm.
The site is located in Flood Zone 1 (low risk) except for a small area near Caker Stream, which is designated as being within Flood Zones 2 & 3.
It does not cover any protected areas like National Parks or National Landscapes (formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The site however is close to the South Downs National Park (SDNP). Visibility from the SDNP was taken into account in the design of the solar farm to ensure minimal impact and it is largely screened by existing hedgerows and trees.
The recent spikes in domestic energy prices affecting households across the country have driven the government to focus on a more independent UK energy strategy. Solar is key to creating affordable and secure energy generation nationwide.
Furthermore, one of the flagship goals of the Government is to make Britain a “clean energy superpower,” promising to lower energy bills, create jobs, and deliver secure, zero- carbon electricity by 2030, accelerating the journey to net zero. As part of this mission, it has pledged to work with the private sector to triple the country’s solar capacity by the same year.
The Caker Stream solar farm will contribute to this by generating 44MW of clean energy: enough to power the equivalent of 15,150 homes. A 2MW battery will store excess energy to be used later in the day when demand is higher.
Megawatts (MW) of clean energy generated
Standard domestic households powered annually
Approx. hectares of land protected by the solar farm
We plan to install a 44MW solar array across approximately 65 hectares of land, requiring minimal groundworks. The panels will be mounted on frames, with the top edge of the panels being about four metres high.
In addition to the solar panels, the site will also include:
Access will be from Gaston Lane and Hall Lane.
The planning application will be determined by East Hampshire District Council.
The landowners are members of The Selborne Landscape Partnership (SLP). The SLP is a cluster of 27 farmers and conservationists restoring nature across the countryside. Since 2014, SLP members have been improving habitats to establish wildlife corridors across the landscape on a larger, more joined-up scale.
In line with the landowners’ ambitions, ecological enhancements lie at the heart of the Caker Stream Solar proposal.
Our surveys started in 2021, studying local wildlife like birds, newts, and badgers.
Initial biodiversity net gain calculations show that the project will increase biodiversity by around 40%. We will plant wildflowers, trees, and strengthen existing hedgerows to enhance local habitats. Bird boxes will also be installed.
Initial Feasibility studies
Technical surveys
Public engagement
Planning submission
Construction