The proposed 44MW Caker Stream Solar Farm will cover approximately 65 hectares of farmland near Gaston Lane, east of Upper Farringdon, and if approved, will generate clean power for the equivalent of c15,000 of homes for 35 years. A 2MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will store excess energy to be used later, especially at night.
The land is flat, well-screened by hedgerows, and lies adjacent to an existing solar farm. The site is designated as forming part of the open countryside within the EHDC Local Plan and does not include any high-grade agricultural land. East Hampshire’s 2018 Low Carbon study identified the area for the site as the only one in the district suitable for large-scale solar. It lies outside of the South Downs National Park, receives relatively high levels of sunlight, and offers an opportunity to connect to the grid economically.
This project is being developed by Quintas Cleantech together with East Hampshire community energy groups Energise South Downs and Energy Alton, who will work in partnership to offer shared community ownership.
Shared ownership of renewable energy projects in the UK allows communities and commercial businesses to jointly own and benefit from renewable energy developments, such as wind and solar farms. While this has been encouraged by the Scottish Government for wind farms for many years, its potential is only recently being realised in the solar sector in England. Caker Stream will be one of the first large-scale solar farms in the UK to offer shared community ownership.
Shared ownership has the potential to generate substantial financial benefits for local communities. The community will administer the community benefit fund which will be used to support other local measures to tackle the climate and nature crises – such as energy efficiency, fuel poverty, tree planting, nature recovery. The idea is to build a sustainable resilient community for the future.
Energise South Downs, Energy Alton, Community Energy South, Quintas Cleantech
at Caker Stream Solar site
Gilbert White, a local 18th-century pioneer of natural history, emphasised the importance of observing and understanding local ecosystems. His seminal work, The Natural History of Selborne, highlights the intricate connections between species and their habitats, an observation that fits perfectly with the principles guiding the development of biodiversity-friendly solar farms, which can serve as sanctuaries for wildlife.
The land for the site is part of the Selborne Landscape Partnership, a cluster of 27 farmers and conservationists, restoring nature across the countryside and continuing White’s legacy by fostering projects that balance human needs with ecological integrity. By encouraging species diversity and promoting carbon sequestration, the aim is that the Caker Stream Solar Farm will leave a lasting legacy for nature.
Initial biodiversity net gain calculations show that the project will increase biodiversity by around 40%, well above the mandatory minimum of 10%, through a diverse range of ecological enhancements. These will include tree planting, wildflower seeding, strengthening existing hedgerows to enhance local habitats, and installing bird boxes.
Management of the land will be set out in a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan with ongoing monitoring of the site to ensure it continues to deliver on its objectives to be nature positive.
Local people will continue to have access to the site through existing footpaths, and a new permissive footpath will be provided.
Find out more on the Quintas website here: cakerstreamsolar.co.uk
Public consultation is very important to us and we value your feedback.
We are inviting you to attend a drop-in event to find out more about the project and its design, and to ask questions. The event will take place on Thursday 13th February between 3–7pm at Selborne Village Hall, High Street, Selborne, Hants, GU34 3JW. Drop in at any time to speak to the team.
If you are not able to attend this event we will also be holding an online session on Tuesday 25th February at 6pm. Register here.
