Downing Achieves Planning Approval For 50 MW Solar Farm in UK

Downing Renewable Developments achieves planning consent for a 49.9 MW solar farm in Norfolk. Photo: Pexels

London-based Downing Renewable Developments, a subsidiary of investment manager Downing, has been awarded planning consent for a 49.9 MW solar farm, part of its 6GW pipeline of development projects across the UK.

It has received the go-ahead for the Meerdyke Solar Farm near Marshland St James in Norfolk, which will produce enough renewable energy to power up to 12,000 homes annually and will deliver significant biodiversity enhancements across 54 hectares of the site with a Biodiversity Net Gain of 176%, claimed the firm Downing Renewable Development.

“Downing is committed to making a positive contribution in the local area including providing free domestic solar installations each year to local residents, with initial installations focussed on those with the greatest need,” stated the press release by the renewable energy company.

Tom Williams, Partner and Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Downing said, “Downing Renewable Developments is an important part of our business and we are delighted with their latest success.” He further added, “With more than 25 sites at different stages of development requiring more than £4 billion of capital over the next ten years, we are excited to offer our investors the opportunity to join us in making a meaningful contribution to the UK’s transition to net zero.”

Tony Gannon, Head of Downing Renewable Developments, added, “Receiving this planning consent is a major milestone for us, but more importantly this project will contribute to reaching UK net zero targets and offer significant benefits to the local area including contributing to alleviating energy poverty with our long term free domestic solar installation programme.”

Last month,  Downing LLP unveiled plans to build a solar plant, coupled with an energy storage system, with a targeted capacity of up to 750 MW in Lincolnshire, England.