Progress on development
Bretton Hall Solar is a community-owned solar farm located on the border between Cheshire and Flintshire. The full project will have a capacity of up to 40 MWp, which will make it one of the largest community-owned renewable energy projects in the United Kingdom when fully built.
We began consultations on the proposed development in January 2020, using a combination of online events and local drop-in sessions to give residents the opportunity to review and comment on the plans. Feedback from this process has been strongly positive and has helped shape the development.
Because the site spans the Wales and England border, two separate planning applications were required. These were submitted with the support of environmental planning consultancy Mabbett and have both now been approved:
- Planning & Environment Decisions Wales (Flintshire side): search ref. 3251545 using planningcasework.service.gov.wales
- Cheshire West and Chester Council (Cheshire side): search ref. 22/02042/FUL at pa.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/online-applications
With full planning permission, a 40-year land lease and a grid connection offer secured, the project now has all development rights in place.
The Society has received development funding from the Welsh Government Energy Service and the Development Bank of Wales, which has enabled the project to reach this critical stage.
The next step is the delivery of Phase 1, a 1.5 MWp solar installation that will be built in 2026. This phase will secure planning consent in perpetuity, clear existing development costs and establish the foundation for the full 40 MWp build-out.
Join Us – Community Share Offer
We are now launching our first community share offer to raise between £340,000 and £610,000. These funds will support an application for a £1.95 million Local Energy Fund grant and a £180,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales and will finance the construction of Phase 1.
By becoming a member, you will co-own the solar farm and play a part in delivering a major community energy project that will support local people and contribute to a fairer and cleaner energy future.
You can keep up to date with project progress, and apply for shares online, at: