Downing Renewable Developments, a subsidiary of investment manager Downing, is moving forward with its proposals to develop a 42MW green energy project near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

The project, Freeby Lane Green Energy Park, is located 1.6km north of the village of Freeby and will comprise of solar PV panels combined with a battery energy storage facility.

On 30th September 2024, Downing Renewable Developments held an initial community engagement event in Freeby Village Hall to present early-stage plans and gain initial community feedback on the proposals. This feedback has been invaluable in the evolution of the design and we are now pleased to be commencing a second phase of community consultation to share how the designs have developed and seek further feedback.

To allow local communities to feedback on the updated site proposals, Downing Renewable Developments are holding the second of two public consultation events on the 26th of November – Freeby Village Hall – 4.30pm –7.30pm.

Please feel free to attend if you would like to discuss the project or to find out more information about Freeby Lane Green Energy Park.

A grid connection has already been secured for the project and a number of ecological and feasibility surveys of the site have been undertaken.

To enable the UK in reaching their legally binding Net Zero targets, increased renewable energy generation, such as from solar farms combined with battery storage, is essential.

The clean electricity generated through this scheme will provide enough energy to power the equivalent of approximately 10,000 homes annually.

Both the Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1), and the National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (EN-3) are clear that renewable energy schemes are crucial in achieving Net Zero objectives and providing flexibility to the UK’s electricity system.

Downing Renewable Developments is committed to ensuring Freeby Lane Green Energy Park delivers benefits to the local community. A Community Benefit package will be made available for local projects and initiatives. Parish Councils will have the opportunity to express where they think this package will be best deployed, depending on the needs of the local community. As well as a commitment to maintain as many existing trees and hedges as possible on the site, there will also be a net gain in biodiversity through the planting of new wildflower meadows, hedgerows and trees.

Tony Gannon, Head of Downing Renewable Developments said;

“We are delighted to be continuing our community consultation for Freeby Lane Green Energy Park on the 26th November, where updated information on the proposals will be on display and members of our team will be available to answer any questions

Freeby Lane Green Energy Park has the ability to significantly contribute to the UK Government's ambition of a fivefold increase in solar energy up to 70GW by 2035 and investment in renewable electricity generation on an unprecedented scale is a fundamental part of the UK’s strategy to meeting that target.”

If you would like to provide feedback, or have any queries, please do so via the contact form.

Learn more about Downing Renewable Developments  

Learn more about Freeby Lane Green Energy Park