About Glebe Solar Farm Energy Project
Glebe Farm Energy Project is a 10MW grid connected solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) proposed on land at Glebe Farm, Waltham Chase, Hampshire, SO32 2LQ.
The project is close to having a planning application submitted to Winchester City Council, the site is not subject to landscape, ecological or heritage designations.
The solar and BESS would operate for a period of 40 years, after which they would be decommissioned and the land fully restored. As a result of this resting period and the planting of select grass mixes, the soil quality will also improve, with greater water retention capacity, stable root structures, and more varied organic matter in the topsoil.
Additional benefits include upgrades to the existing public rights of way on site, by changing styles to gates, along with upgrades to the existing track.
What are the benefits?
Clean Energy
Glebe Farm Energy will generate enough renewable energy to provide electricity for approximately 5320 homes (10% of total homes in Winchester District) per annum.
Carbon Reduction
The scheme represents an annual saving of approximately 4,767 metric Tonnes of CO2.
Community
A community benefit fund will be set up to help support local causes and initiatives. We also plan to upgrade the stiles along public rights of way to improve people’s access to the countryside.
Biodiversity at Glebe Farm
- 63% biodiversity net gain in habitat units compared to existing conditions
- 400m of new species-rich hedgerow with native trees
- Watercourse enhancements
- 4.5 hectares of enhanced species-rich grassland within the panel array
- Mammal gaps within fencing
- Bird nesting boxes on retained trees throughout the site
- Bat roosting boxes on retained trees throughout the site
The project is at the design stage of the development process, which means there is still an opportunity to influence the scheme before a planning application is submitted. Your feedback is important to us, and we welcome any suggestions on how the proposals could be improved.
Estimate project timeline (subject to change)
Community Engagement
We hosted a public exhibition event on Thursday, 18th April 2024 in Waltham Chase. This was an opportunity for people to find out more about the project, view our plans and discuss the proposals with the development team. If you were unable to attend the event, the exhibition materials are available below.
You can also check out our Frequently Asked Questions page, also linked below, to learn more about how our renewable energy projects are designed, built, and operated.
We welcome your feedback throughout all stages of the project and will happily respond to any queries you may have. You can email us at glebe@ethical-power.com or phone 01726 218 618.