Home / Environment / Council Approves Major Solar Project Despite Delays
Council Approves Major Solar Project Despite Delays
3 Aug
Summary
- Solar farm will power over 10,500 homes by 2029.
- Project expected to generate over £1m annually for services.
- Will more than double biodiversity on site.
Construction of the Barkham Solar Farm, featuring 43,000 panels, is set to commence later this year after Wokingham Borough Council granted approval. This project will power more than 10,500 homes by 2029, a timeline that faced potential delays due to national grid reforms pushing connections to at least 2031.
Council leaders highlighted the project's dual benefits: generating significant revenue, estimated at over £1 million annually, to protect vital services, and advancing the climate emergency action plan. Following scrutiny of revised connection timetables, officers confirmed greater clarity, ensuring the scheme's financial robustness.
Beyond clean energy, the solar farm aims to more than double biodiversity on site. A new walking and cycling route will also connect Arborfield Green and Finchampstead to Wokingham town. Subject to final contract approval, partial grid connection is targeted for September 2027.
