Solar Farm Project Ready to Shine, If the Plans Finally See the Light of Day

West Berkshire Council is expected to push ahead with an £18.6 million solar farm on council owned agricultural land, with councillors set to consider the next stage of the project. The proposed Grazeley Solar Farm, at Bloom field Hatch Farm between Mortimer and Grazeley, could generate enough electricity to supply at least 5,500 homes, according to the council. Planning permission has already been granted for the site. If councillors approve progressing the project, council officers will be able to move forward with procurement arrangements and securing a connection to the electricity grid. The council estimates that the solar farm could generate around £400,000 in annual profit over a 30 year period. A contractor is expected to operate the facility during its first two years. After that initial period, the council plans to seek a new contract for the farm's operation and maintenance, with those costs estimated at approximately £200,000 a year. The council has also said the land could potentially return to agricultural use once the solar farm is removed. The site is classified as low grade agricultural land. The land had previously been considered for housing development, but those plans were shelved because of its proximity to the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) site at Burghfield. Stuart Gourley, the council executive member for environment and highways, described the solar farm as an opportunity to make productive use of council owned land while generating renewable electricity. He said updated assessments showed that, despite risks that would need to be managed, the project continued to have a strong strategic case and could provide long term environmental and financial benefits for West Berkshire residents. The proposal now moves into its next stage, with councillors expected to decide whether the council should proceed with procurement and grid-connection arrangements for the planned solar development.