Elements Green encourages communities affected by Great North Road Solar Park plans, near Newark, to explore funding through NG+

£1,000,000-a-year in funding could be made available to community plans as part of proposed solar farm plans.

The proposed Great North Road Solar Park scheme, near Newark, is at the early engagement stage and is ultimately planned to power as many as 400,000 homes whilst helping the UK’senergy independence.

The scheme is planned to create a ring of solar panels and infrastructure four miles in wide in the countryside near Newark, west of the A1, encircling Caunton.

It has faced opposition from parish councils in the area, who have said they will fight back against the proposed development — but developer Elements Green is promoting an associated funding scheme to create ‘tangible benefits’ for communities around the proposed solar park.

Ahead of the launch of the project’s community consultation, Elements Green is encouraging residents to enquire about potential grant funding via NG+.

Mark Noone, project director, said: “The Great North Road Solar Park could create enough clean and affordable energy to power every home in Nottinghamshire, and that isn’t the only benefit this proposed development could bring.

“While plans for the site are still in the early stages, the associated NG+ scheme could provide around £1m-a-year for projects designed to support the local community.

“The scheme would deliver projects that focus on vital issues like the environment, education, food security, wellbeing and energy efficiency.

“We would love to hear from local charities about existing programmes or schemes that may benefit from being involved in NG+. Ideally, grants from NG+ would make our green spaces even more welcoming, sponsor food waste initiatives and support renewable energy education, including apprenticeships, to provide a brighter future for the Newark area.”

The fund could also include grants for renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency for both households and businesses and NG+ bosses say they are keen to identify suppliers and manufacturers, who could support the supply and installation of such measures.

Plans for the solar park are still in the early stages, with community engagement underway.

If the solar park is developed, it is forecast to generate around 800 megawatts of electricity and it is claimed it would dramatically offset Newark’s carbon footprint by avoiding around 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and help lower customer bills across Newark.

The site would also play a key role in aiding the UK Government’s target of a five-fold increase in solar capacity by 2035, to meet the legally binding goal of eliminating carbon emissions by 2050.

The NG+ scheme will formally launch in March, although engagement with interested parties is already underway.

Mark added: “We can’t wait to hear about your initiatives and how this funding could help you.”