It is a tremendous opportunity to generate renewable energy that can power more than 15,000 homes a year with battery storage for excess energy that can be used later in the day when demand is higher.

We are working with the developer to explore the options for partial community ownership and a community benefit fund to be spent on projects decided by the local community.

Due to the potential scale of the project the three groups set up Bedfordshire Energy Together to lead on this and other similar large scale projects that will benefit all of Bedfordshire. This brings the opportunity for many more Bedfordshire residents to get involved in community energy and to have a stake in community renewable energy generation projects.

Buzz Community Energy, Greensand Community Energy and River Ivel community energy have been working in their areas of Leighton Buzzard, Ampthill and Flitwick and the Ivel Valley for more than two years offering energy saving advice and exploring small scale renewable energy generation projects. This collaboration by the three groups enables us to look more broadly across the county and take on more complex projects.

This solar farm would bring other environmental benefits including new planting and habitats for wildlife with existing hedgerows retained. Currently the project is in planning and due to go to Bedford Borough’s planning committee in the next few months. There is still an opportunity to show your support for this scheme by writing to your local councillor or to the planning department at planning@bedford.gov.uk.