Bradford Abbas solar farm covering 32
- RWE proposes a solar farm in north Dorset to power up to 20,500 homes.
- Consultation ends on 25 September, with construction expected to start in autumn 2026.
- The project supports local climate goals and includes investment in green infrastructure.
A proposal for a large solar farm covering 32 acres in north Dorset has been put forward by RWE, aiming to install thousands of solar panels to generate power for approximately 20,500 homes. The consultation period for this project is set to conclude on 25 September, with a planning application expected to be submitted in December. Construction is anticipated to commence in autumn 2026, with the facility projected to become operational in 2027. The proposed site is located to the east and north of Bradford Abbas, and it falls within the jurisdiction of several parish councils, including Bradford Abbas, Castleton, Nether Compton, Yeovil, and Over Compton. While Bradford Abbas Parish Council has been made aware of the proposal, it has not yet received formal notification. In contrast, Thornhackett Parish Council has already convened an extraordinary meeting to discuss the plans. As part of the project, RWE plans to incorporate a battery energy storage system and invest £250,000 in green infrastructure, which includes the development of 3 kilometers of walking paths. This initiative aligns with Dorset Council's Climate Change Action Plan, which aims for the district to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, following the declaration of a climate emergency in 2019. RWE emphasizes that projects like this solar farm will play a significant role in meeting both local and national climate commitments. Residents are encouraged to view the plans at Bradford Abbas Village Hall and through a virtual exhibition available on RWE's website, fostering community engagement in the decision-making process.