A 49.9MW solar project being developed by BayWa r.e. and Grüne Energien Solar in South Gloucestershire has received planning permission.

The project, which will incorporate a green corridor, will provide renewable energy for the local community and develop biodiversity across the project situated on Perrinpit Road.

For the development, BayWa r.e. has committed to maximising benefits for local communities and the environment with constriction set to begin in early 2024.

The firm will develop 30 acres of new wildflower meadow and grassland that will be planted to create a continuous green corridor running through the site to enhance biodiversity and create habitats for wildlife.

Other environmental initiatives will also include planting new wildflowers and a grass mix underneath and around the solar panels, as well as approximately 1,700 metres of new hedgerow and 99 new trees within the site boundary.

“This is an exciting project for our team at BayWa r.e. and we are delighted to work with Grüne Energien again. This is our second 49.9MW project in the UK delivered through our joint venture,” said John Milligan, managing director of BayWa r.e. UK.

“The implementation of renewable energy projects like Perrinpit Road is essential to meeting the UK’s legally binding net zero carbon emission goals by 2050. It is encouraging to see the local commitment in South Gloucestershire to meet these goals.”

Last month, BayWa r.e. appointed Morgan Harris as managing director of its UK operation services business bringing eight years’ experience in the services industry.

Also in August, the company launched a consultation for 160MW Oaklands Farm Solar Park situated in South Derbyshire.

Given the scale of the project – in the region of 160MW and incorporating a 37.5MW battery energy storage system (BESS) on the site – an application for its development will need to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime.