Residents of Flintshire are being invited to share their views on the early-stage proposals for the Sealand Manor Solar Farm, aimed at providing renewable energy to the community. Renewable Connections, a UK solar and battery energy developer, has proposed the construction of a solar farm capable of generating up to 89 megawatts (MW) of power, alongside a 40MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
If approved, the solar farm—which will span 94 hectares of agricultural land next to the River Dee—could produce enough electricity to power around 33,575 homes per year, significantly contributing to local and national efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The project is estimated to cut carbon emissions by approximately 16,902 tonnes each year, making it not only beneficial for homeowners but also for the environment.
The initial phase of community engagement includes two public consultation events scheduled for March 26 and March 27, 2025, at The Fig Tree, St Bartholomew’s Church, located on Old Sealand Road. These events will provide residents the opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share their feedback. On March 26, the consultation will take place from 2 PM to 7 PM, and on March 27, from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Corey Isolda, Senior Project Manager at Renewable Connections, expressed enthusiasm about engaging with the local community. "This spring, we’re looking forward to engaging with local people in our informal consultation for the early-stage proposals for the Sealand Manor Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage project," he said. This early feedback phase is aimed at shaping design proposals, which will be presented during the formal consultation phase later this year.
Beyond gathering public input, Renewable Connections is collaborating with statutory bodies, including Flintshire County Council. The council has previously demonstrated its commitment to combating climate change through its Climate Change Strategy 2022-2030 and Renewable Energy Action Plan. This project aligns with broader governmental goals of increasing renewable energy and enhancing energy storage capabilities, which the UK Government estimates could save the energy system up to £40 billion in operating costs by 2050.
Local residents interested in providing feedback can do so through several channels, including the project’s official website at sealandmanorsolarfarm.co.uk. They can also send their thoughts via email at [email protected], contact the project team by phone at 0800 254 5011, or send their comments through traditional mail to FREEPOST SEALAND MANOR SOLAR FARM.
A formal consultation will follow later this year, prior to Renewable Connections submitting the official planning application to Planning and Environment Decision Wales (PEDW). This step is pivotal as the council weighs the potential impacts and benefits of the solar farm and BESS on the community and the environment.
The Sealand Manor project reflects the growing wave of renewable energy initiatives across the UK, highlighting the importance of community input and regulatory collaboration. How these proposals are received by local residents will significantly influence the future of the solar farm and its potential role as a sustainable energy source for Flintshire.
