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A University of Cambridge planning application for a solar farm on grade 3a agricultural land  southeast of the Lordsbridge Radio telescope in Barton, Cambridgeshire, has been approved.

A number of conditions were recommended as set out in the committee papers; two more conditions were added by the Committee, requiring details of the appearance of the substations to be submitted for approval, and that the invertors shall be developed in accordance with the details/specification submitted. 

The application was referred to the Secretary of State who did not call it in. The decision notice has now been issued.  

Details for the planning application can be seen here (enter reference 22/00051/FUL). The site layout is below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is this important? 

The University has committed to reducing emissions from fossil fuel consumption and has adopted a science-based target to reduce its energy-related (scope 1 and 2) carbon emissions to absolute zero by 2048, with an ambition to become zero carbon by 2038.   

The new solar farm could generate approximately 30,457 MWh per year, which equates to 26% of the University’s 2019 electrical consumption.  

We will ensure the local community have advance warning of any works to help minimise impacts. We will continue to work with the local authorities and affected parties as our plans develop.