Feasibility Study
Homewood Farm Solar Project
Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) is carrying out a feasibility study to develop a solar farm in conjunction with Fresford, Hinton Charterhouse and Limpley Stoke parish councils.
BWCE is a successful community-owned business established in 2010 to develop a not-for-profit community energy model. Our renewable energy projects place ownership in the hands of local people and actively benefit local communities in Bath, North East Somerset, parts of Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire. In addition to energy generation BWCE is focused on lowering energy demand and using renewables more efficiently; last year the BWCE Home Energy service launched to support householders in addressing the challenge of retrofitting inefficient and draughty homes.
Key statistics
800kWp solar farm
The solar farm site is approximately 6 acres
Solar takes up approximately 2 acres
The solar farm will take up 0.002% of land in the parish of Hinton Charterhouse
Cutting emissions by 160 tonnes of CO2 per year – that’s 113 people’s average annual driving emissions
The solar farm will generate an estimated 842,000kWh of electricity every year
Ring fenced annual funding benefit to local communities (area to be agreed through consultation)
Ability to graze sheep on the land
Estimated increase of Biodiversity Net Gain of 25%.
The site is Grade 4 Agriculture land *
* Grade 4 land: Land with severe limitations which significantly restrict the range of crops or level of yields. It is mainly suited to grass with occasional arable crops (for example cereals and forage crops) the yields of which are variable. In moist climates, yields of grass may be moderate to high but there may bedifficulties using the land. The grade also includes arable land that is very dry because of drought. source: www.gov.uk
Latest developments
7th August 2025
Technical surveys update
Most of the technical surveys required at this stage of the project have now been completed. These include assessments of potential impacts on noise, heritage, archaeology, landscape, and more. The findings so far have been as expected, with no significant issues identified.
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The only outstanding surveys are ecological surveys, which commenced in the spring and will run into the autumn. These surveys monitor seasonal changes in local wildlife and habitats, which is why they take place over a longer period of time.
We’re committed to keeping local residents informed as the project progresses. If you would like to join the mailing list, please contact us on communityrenewables@bwce.coop
29th May 2025
Environmental Statement not required
The proposed location for the Homewood Farm Solar Project lies within the Green Belt and the designated Cotswolds National Landscape. Given the sensitive nature of a development in this area, BWCE requested a formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening opinion from the Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Planning Authority.
21st March 2025
Statement regarding expansion
At the recent public information sessions one key concern we heard from residents was the possibility of BWCE extending the proposed Homewood Solar Farm beyond its current boundary, should future grid capacity or land in the vicinity become available. This has never been our intention and we have produced a statement to this effect.
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In essence, BWCE asked the B&NES Planning Authority to review whether the environmental effects of the project are significant enough to require an EIA. An EIA would result in an Environmental Statement (ES). The planning authority has issued its screening opinion and has concluded that the Homewood Farm Solar Project does not qualify as an EIA development, and therefore an Environmental Statement is not required.
18th February 2025
Public information sessions
In February 2025 we held three drop-in public information sessions In Freshford, Hinton Charterhouse and Limpley Stoke. You can view the information boards we had on display at these sessions here.
Consultation survey
We will be running a consultation survey once we have provided further information on the project. If you want to be added to the email list for updates and to be notified about the consultation survey please contact us at communityrenewables@bwce.coop
Information Boards
You can view information boards about the proposed project, which include:
Clean Local Energy with BWCE
The Benefits of Community Solar
Homewood Farm Solar Project – location, proposed layout & key statistics
Environmental Benefits
Introducing Local Supply
Benefits of Local Supply
Setting up a Local Supply Club
Development Process
Who is involved?
If developed, the solar farm will be owned, managed and maintained by Bath & West Community Energy for and on behalf of the community.
The feasibility study is being carried out in partnership with:
Freshford Parish Council
Hinton Charterhouse Parish Council
Limpley Stoke Parish Council
With support from:
Community Energy Fund (CEF)