SHEEPCOTE SOLAR FARM

Our application for Sheepcote solar farm near Cressing in Essex was unanimously approved by Braintree District Council’s planning committee in May 2025. The decision notice and application details can be viewed on the planning portal, reference 24/02673/FUL.

CONSTRUCTION

We expect to start building the solar farm from summer 2026. Construction is expected to take approximately 12 months.

In the meantime there may be other activities on site including improvements to the site entrance, technical site investigations, ecological and landscaping work. We are committed to minimising disruption and to keeping the local community fully informed as the project progresses.

To register in advance for email updates please contact: SheepcoteSolar@edenrenewables.com

SUPPLIER REGISTER

We are compiling a register of local suppliers, particularly for accommodation and transport services. If you are a local business that would like to be involved please let us know by email to SheepcoteSolar@edenrenewables.com

KEY FACTS

  • Installed capacity: 13.8 MWac

  • Electricity generated equivalent to the consumption of approximately 6,300 average homes

  • Approximately 5,500 tonnes CO2 saved each year

  • Bifacial solar panels with the latest tracker technology to maximise energy generation.

  • Continued agricultural use with sheep grazing and substantial biodiversity improvements

  • Agricultural Land Classification survey shows that the site is all Grade 3b (moderate quality). No Best and Most Versatile land would be used for the development.

  • Biodiversity Net Gain 39% habitats, 446% hedgerows

  • Access from existing Cressing Farm entrance off B1018

  • Adjacent to an existing solar farm which has been operational since 2015

 

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

  • Community Benefit Fund for local people of £6,900 per year, index-linked, for the project lifetime.

  • Separate Education Fund £2,000 a year, index-linked, to fund educational sessions and site visits to the solar farm with White Notley and Cressing primary schools and Silver End Academy.

  • The project is expected to generate over £350,000 total in local benefits for the 40-year lifetime of the solar farm.

Public Consultation

We held a public exhibition about our plans at White Notley Village Hall on November 1st 2022, where local residents were invited to view our plans and provide their feedback, which was taken into account in the site design where technically feasible.

CONTACT

If you have any questions or require any further information please email SheepcoteSolar@edenrenewables.com or call 07979 368238.