Further to Planning permission having been granted for the Pettywell Solar and Battery Energy Storage scheme in April 2025 we are now seeking planning permission for the underground cable route from the project to the grid.
We have designed a route which connects the site with the UK Power Networks Salle substation, west of Cawston, which curves across the top of Reepham. More information on the route can be found here
Associated with this cable route application is an application to modify the equipment within the central compound of the site – referred to as a Section 73 application. More information on this change be found here
Works on the project and the cable route are expected to start in early to mid 2027 and conclude in early 2028.
To progress with our understanding and design of the site we will be undertaking archaeological trench investigations starting in July this year.
If you have any questions about the project you can get in touch via the Contact Us page
The proposal is for a ground mounted solar array with an integrated compound for a battery energy storage system. The proposal covers an area of approximately 81 hectares, (refer to red boundary on the map in the project page) and it is intended to operate for 40 years. However, because of the allowances for green spaces and location requirements of the equipment, the features of the project will only cover approximately 63 hectares (78%) of this red line area.
The project includes photovoltaic panels on metal frames, supporting infrastructure, including inverters, transformers, substation, fencing, CCTV cameras, access tracks, battery energy storage, wildlife enhancements and new and restored hedgerows. After 40 years of operation, all the infrastructure of the project will be removed and recycled or disposed of in accordance with good practice, which will allow the land to be returned to agriculture.
The solar farm has the potential to generate more than 37,800,000 kWh of electricity a year, which is the equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of over 14,000 dwellings. Using the latest available figures for CO2 emissions from electricity generation, this scheme has the potential to offset approximately 6,471 tonnes of CO2 per year.
The inclusion of a battery energy storage scheme gives additional flexibility to the operation of the solar farm, allowing it to adjust when the power is exported as well as being able to offer support services to the local grid to help manage the supply of electricity.
