Aura Power gains approval for 55MW solar project

• Burtree Lane site in Darlington will almost triple the existing renewable capacity generated in the borough

Aura Power has gained approval for a 55MW solar project from committee members at Darlington Borough Council in the UK.

Burtree Lane solar farm, in Darlington, will virtually triple the existing renewable resource produced in Darlington Borough, dramatically adding towards the Council's target of getting to net zero emissions by 2040.

Ecological improvements are included in the layout, to boost habitats for wildlife.

These consist of new hedges as well as trees as well as managed marshy meadow to provide ideal habitat for breeding ground-nesting birds, offering a biodiversity net gain of 46%.

George Wilyman, Planning Manager at Aura Power, said: "This solar farm not only brings significant economic, social as well as environmental benefits, yet gives a solid contribution to neighborhood and nationwide carbon cutting targets.

" Although it has been acknowledged that the proposed advancement will certainly have some effects, it has been demonstrated that these will certainly be minor.

" Whilst the general public benefits as a result of the growth are considerable and much reaching."

The solar farm likewise includes a Community Benefit Fund of ₤ 20,000 each year, corresponding to ₤ 800,000 over the 40-year operational lifetime of the growth.

Aura Power expects dealing with regional stakeholders consisting of the Friends of the Stockton and also Darlington Railway, who support for the railway which runs alongside the eastern site boundary of the site.

Info boards concerning the railway and also an enhancement to the walkway running through the site are consisted of as part of the solar farm's proposition.

Building is expected to start in 2023.

Burtree Lane solar farm is part of an additional 300MW of Aura Power's solar proposals waiting for planning choices in various areas throughout the UK.