FAQ
About Castle Hills Solar Farm
What is a solar farm and how does it work?
A solar farm uses photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into electricity. The electricity is then converted through inverters and either used on-site, stored in batteries (Battery Energy Storage System – BESS), or exported to the local electricity grid. Solar farms are a clean, quiet and low maintenance way to generate renewable energy.
Why is Castle Hills Solar Farm needed?
Castle Hills Solar Farm will support the UK’s national target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, alongside Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and regional carbon reduction targets. In recent years, global events have shown how dependent some countries are on fossil fuels, and how this can affect energy prices and availability. By investing in renewable energy, the UK can reduce its reliance on overseas sources and improve its energy security. Projects like Castle Hills Solar Farm help ensure a stable and resilient supply of power, especially during times of market disruption or high demand.
How is Birmingham Airport involved?
We have opened up dialogue with Birmingham Airport to explore how the proposals could benefit its sustainable and responsible approach to growth, where they could become a customer of the renewable energy created at the site. If approved, the proposals would make a meaningful contribution to the region’s net zero and clean energy goals.
How much electricity will be generated?
The Castle Hills Solar Farm will generate up to 49.9MW of renewable electricity with the capacity to store 5MW using an on-site Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”) facility. This is equivalent to powering thousands of homes or contributing meaningfully to local infrastructure needs, including potential supply to Birmingham Airport.
Where is the site located?
Castle Hills Solar Farm is located over three parcels of land immediately northeast of Solihull, between the M42 and Damson Parkway.
How long will the site be in operation?
The site will have an expected operational lifetime of 40 years where the land will then return to agricultural use.
What impact would the scheme have on farming?
The proposed solar farm has been designed to minimise the impact on agricultural use. While specific land management practices are still being finalised, the layout allows for the potential integration of low-intensity agricultural activities such as sheep grazing. If implemented, this would enable a dual-use approach – generating renewable energy while maintaining some agricultural productivity, supporting farm diversification, and potentially improving soil health. Final decisions on grazing will be informed by site conditions and operational requirements.
What will be the impact on the landscape?
The site lies within Landscape Character Areas 1A and 9 of the Solihull Landscape Character Assessment, assessed as medium in visual and landscape sensitivity. The proposals include extensive landscape planting and screening to minimise visual impact, particularly from local footpaths. Visual buffers and screening planting will reduce visibility into the site over time.
What will be the impact on biodiversity?
The project has been carefully designed to enhance biodiversity across the site. Key measures include the creation of species-rich grassland, extensive native tree and hedgerow planting, and sensitive landscaping to support local wildlife. Existing habitats will be retained and enhanced where possible, helping to improve ecological connectivity and support a range of species, including pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Overall, the scheme is expected to deliver a significant biodiversity enhancement.
How are you accounting for the potential risk of theft in the local area that will result from the project?
Security of the site and equipment is a key design consideration throughout the planning phase. The solar farm will be enclosed with appropriate fencing and monitored using CCTV to deter and detect any unauthorised access. Equipment on site will be secured, and only authorised personnel will have access. Security measures will be outlined in the Construction Traffic Management Plan and detailed further in the final planning submission.
What will the landscape and visual impact of the project be?
A detailed Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) has been undertaken and will be submitted alongside the planning application. The site is in areas assessed as having medium landscape and visual sensitivity. The layout has been carefully designed to minimise visual effects, with mature vegetation retained, and new hedgerow planting and wildflower meadows proposed. Visual buffers will be added along public rights of way, and overall effects are expected to be minor to negligible once the landscape has matured.