Projects in the UK
Vicarage Drove Solar Farm
Development plans
Having secured all necessary planning permissions and permits for the site and traffic route, we will begin the preparation stages of the development from 17th July 2024. The project team will be onsite from 22nd July 2024 to start
We will keep the site updated on progress and to provide information to the community in and around Bicker.
What will the Solar Farm look like?
The solar panels will be installed in rows, North to South, and will track the sun throughout the day. They are set at an angle, no more than 2.75 metres at their highest point. There is a space of 0.8 metres underneath, which means the land could also be used for crops or animal grazing.
The site will be surrounded by deer fencing and there will be CCTV cameras on site for additional security.
How does solar energy work?
Solar panels transform sunlight into electricity using silicon cells. When sunlight hits these cells, the electrons in the cells vibrate and this creates a DC electric current in on AC. AC (alternating current) is more efficient for sending power over long distances and can easily be adjusted using transformers, reducing energy loss. It is also the standard for electricity in the UK. This generatee direction. The solar inverter then does its job, turning this DC electricity intod electricity can be used right away, stored in batteries, or sent back to the grid. It’s a smart process that helps us tap into the sun’s power for a cleaner and more sustainable energy source.
How long will it take to build?
Construction will take 6-8 months and we will keep local residents informed of progress.
Will there be an impact on traffic?
With any construction, there will be deliveries and site traffic, but we aim to keep disruption to a minimum. We will keep the local community informed of progress on site and any activities that may require heavier traffic. Once complete, we will operate the site remotely, so there should be no long term impact.
UPDATE: our traffic management plan is now in place, please scroll down the page to see further details. The 24 hour contact number for traffic issues is 0113 3230470
Will there be noise impact
As there are no houses within 1km, we would expect that noise impact will be minimal and kept within normal site working hours.
How do we get in touch with you?
The best way to get in touch with us is through our project email address vicaragedrove@europeanenergy.com
If you have a traffic related issue, you can call our 24 hour number, which will go direct to Servco who are managing this for us on 0113 3230470
Construction timeline
Construction of Vicarage Drove Solar Farm will begin at the end of July 2024. We will make regular updates on construction progress here on the site.
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Phase 01
Site Preparation and Infrastructure setup
Installing access roads, fencing, substations and power lines
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Phase 02Current phase
Foundation and Mounting Structure Installation
Laying foundation and assembling mounting frames
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Phase 03
Solar Panel and Electrical System Integration
Placing panels and connecting electrical systems
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Phase 04
Grid Connection and Testing
Connecting to the grid, comprehensive testing
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Phase 05
Landscape Restoration
Finalising landscaping and restoring the site
Communications – news and posts
Traffic Management Plan and 24 hour contact details – further details
We are working together with NGET and AGR are to deliver a combined approach to traffic management, to minimise impacts for local residents. A joint Traffic Management Plan will be in place through our third party contractor, the Servo Group. As part of this arrangement, Servo will be managing traffic concerns or queries
• Local signage has been placed. Please contact us if you have comments on how to improve this
• There is a gatehouse on the haul road, just off the A52 to the South West of Bicker. All EE deliveries will be prebooked and must wait at the gatehouse for authorisation to proceed to site. This will prevent 2 way passing on the access route. Servco will control all access and take details and number plates.
• Our HG vehicles will not travel through Bicker village and we are implementing speed limits of 10mph on the haul road, and 20mph on the access route and on site. Vehicles will give way to public vehicles, pedestrians and animals and our vehicles will not drive on the roadside verges. Contacts for any traffic concerns or queries are below
operations@servo-group.co.uk
24hr emergency out of hours number 0113 3230470
Files and correspondence
As well as posts to keep you updated about the project, letters, relevant documents (or links to documents) will be attached in the file list below
Letter to residents
We have recently sent out a letter to residents. We use Royal Mail to search for addresses and their postcode checker to make sure that each address is correct. Each envelope is addressed by hand. If for any reason you did not receive a letter, please find a copy in the file list below. We look forward to being a part of the community,
Bicker Parish Council meeting 24/07/24
If you were unable to attend the recent Parish Council meeting, our section of the slide presentation is in the file list below
Contact us
For more information on European Energy or Vicarage Drove, email vicaragedrove@europeanenergy.com or contact our communications manager.
For traffic related issues, please contact Servco on the 24 hour hotline 0113 3230470
