Following a public consultation in our village in March 2022, Ridge Clean Energy (RCE) has now submitted a full planning application for its proposed ‘hybrid renewable energy project’ on agricultural land south west of Ruddington.
Called ‘Fair Oaks Renewable Energy Park’ the power generation scheme would be located at Fields Farm off Asher Lane and pair 49.9MW of solar panels with 49.9MW of battery storage capacity. That’s said to be enough to supply 11,200 homes with green electricity. The company says the combination of technologies can achieve “efficient, reliable, and stable energy generation” from the site for up to four decades.
Marjorie Glasgow BEM, co-founder of RCE explains: “We develop each project with the scope to do so much more than generate power. We believe that combining clean energy with the needs of communities is the most powerful way to tackle climate change and its impacts”.
The associated ‘Fair Oaks Community Benefit Fund’ is also projected to provide £24,950 per year for the lifespan of the project (up to 40 years), alongside “a development team bringing talent and experience for delivering projects with enduring benefits for communities”.
Rebecca Renfrew, RCE Community Partnership Officer, who helped co-ordinate last year’s consultations and exhibitions in St Peter’s Rooms which were attended by over a hundred people, says: “It’s already been a rewarding experience getting to know the friendly residents of Ruddington community; it’s such an active and vibrant village. I look forward to collaborating and supporting existing projects or new initiatives in the future.”
In addition to the Community Benefit Fund, RCE promises to provide up-front seed capital and development assistance for community projects, so people don’t have to wait until the completion of the build to start receiving benefits.
Project Manager Jonny Murphy says: “The Fair Oaks Renewable Energy Park could help the local community adapt to big challenges currently facing communities in the UK – climate change, domestic energy security, and the rising cost of living. We’ve also worked closely with ecology and landscape specialists to deliver an energy park that results in a 75% net gain in habitat which would support local biodiversity. The site could continue to be used for agriculture with the Applicant’s intention to enter into a sheep grazing licence at the appropriate time. Business rates will be calculated nearer the time of operation and would be given to Rushcliffe Borough Council to spend within the local area.”
Although, as previously reported, villagers gave a largely positive and encouraging response to the proposed project, there were some concerns – which Ridge Clean Energy says it hopes it has managed to address within the slightly modified plans now submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council, as detailed below:
“A key interest raised at our public exhibitions was the temporary construction access route” adds Mr Murphy. “We listened to the community and are pleased to confirm we have secured an alternative temporary construction access route avoiding Ruddington Village Centre. Temporary construction vehicles would now be routed off Clifton Lane south along Pasture Lane to site. The spread of the development was also raised and we’ve been able to optimise the site design and no longer intend to site equipment on Gotham Moor south of the Fairham Brook.”
The application reference is 23/00254/FUL and can be viewed >>HERE<< with any public comments required by Monday 13th March 2023.
