The Proposal

British Solar Renewables’ updated proposal for land at Stretchford Farm is for a solar development with a total export capacity of approximately 23MW.

The project would generate enough clean, renewable electricity to power around 6,583 homes each year and delivering annual carbon savings of approximately 6,070 tonnes of CO₂e.

The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is no longer proposed as part of the project, and the scheme will now focus solely on solar generation.

The updated proposal would also deliver:

  • At least 60% Biodiversity Net Gain across the site.
  • A community benefit fund to support local projects and initiatives.
  • Generation of Business Rates to the local council – this additional income can be used by the Council to fund Council run services.
  • Long-term support for the farm through a stable income over the lifetime of the project.

Since consultation, the design and layout of the site has been updated. Key changes include:

  • A reduction in panels within the northern part of the site, increasing separation from nearby homes.
  • Updates to the layout to better reflect the site and its surroundings.
  • Enhanced landscape proposals, including additional native tree and hedgerow planting to strengthen screening.
  • Relocation of some infrastructure within the site.
  • Removal of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), with the project now focused solely on solar generation.

British Solar Renewables will ensure that habitats on site are retained and managed wherever possible. Where this is not possible, suitable mitigation will be included to ensure that there is no detrimental impact.

The project will also support biodiversity improvements across the site. These could include:

  • Planting of hedgerows and trees along sensitive boundaries to screen views of the development
  • Retention and enhancement of existing vegetation where possible
  • Creation of species rich grassland and wildflower grassland to increase the biodiversity value of the site
  • Provision of ecological features such as insect hotels, bat boxes and log piles

The development will make an important contribution to local and national net zero targets.

The proposal is temporary and will be in place for 40 years. Following decommissioning, the land would be returned to agricultural use.

British Solar Renewables seeks to select land of lower agricultural grade for its proposals where possible. Over 60% of the land at Stretchford Farm has been classified as subgrade 3B. Grade 3B land is not considered best and most versatile agricultural land.

The development of solar in this location will also provide the landowner with a stable income, supporting the farm’s wider activities over the lifetime of the project.

The latest site layout will be uploaded here when available. Please note that the layout and design may continue to evolve, subject to the forthcoming scoping opinion from South Hams District Council.