About the Project

Pegasus is acting as a planning consultant to Infrabee, who are proposing to develop a new solar farm, to be known as Coles Solar Farm.

The transition to a low carbon energy system is necessary to avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change. The UK’s legal climate change commitment requires achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and more renewable energy generation is needed to meet this target. Solar farms offer a low cost and safe form of renewable energy generation. Solar-powered electricity reduces the levels of carbon dioxide that are being emitted into the atmosphere by replacing the demand on electricity generation from fossil fuels. The temporary ‘rewilding’ of the land, through the provision of species rich grassland beneath and around the panels within a solar farm and the delivery of new boundary landscaping, results in considerable increases in biodiversity and provides new habitats for wildlife. It also allows the land to rest, which can improve the quality of the soil.

About the Project

Pegasus is acting as a planning consultant to Infrabee, who are proposing to develop a new solar farm, to be known as Coles Solar Farm.

The transition to a low carbon energy system is necessary to avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change. The UK’s legal climate change commitment requires achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and more renewable energy generation is needed to meet this target. Solar farms offer a low cost and safe form of renewable energy generation. Solar-powered electricity reduces the levels of carbon dioxide that are being emitted into the atmosphere by replacing the demand on electricity generation from fossil fuels. The temporary ‘rewilding’ of the land, through the provision of species rich grassland beneath and around the panels within a solar farm and the delivery of new boundary landscaping, results in considerable increases in biodiversity and provides new habitats for wildlife. It also allows the land to rest, which can improve the quality of the soil.

Infrabee is a venture between two very different but complementary organisations: Infraland and Boultbee Brooks. Infraland is an infrastructure development company focusing on low-carbon technology, while Boultbee Brooks’s expertise is very much rooted in real estate development. After previously partnering together on several renewables projects in the UK, we have now brought our collective experience, pioneering spirit, and shared vision for the future of renewables, together as Infrabee.

This site was carefully selected to ensure that it meets technical and environmental criteria, including a viable grid connection nearby which is capable of accepting the power generated. The setting of the site is also heavily influenced by the adjacent East Hyde sewage treatment works. Being free from statutory environmental and historic designations, and the site’s limited visibility from public areas were also factors influencing site selection.

This site was carefully selected to ensure that it meets technical and environmental criteria, including a viable grid connection nearby which is capable of accepting the power generated. The setting of the site is also heavily influenced by the adjacent East Hyde sewage treatment works. Being free from statutory environmental and historic designations, and the site’s limited visibility from public areas were also factors influencing site selection.

  • The site encompasses land to the south of West Hyde Road, East Hyde, Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire as denoted by the blue area on the plan below. The name 'Coles Solar Farm' refers to the name of the fields.
  • The site is located within the Green Belt.
  • The proposed solar farm will have a generating capacity of circa 22MW of renewable energy.
  • The proposed solar farm, together with the proposed new landscaping, below ground cable and access route cover an area of circa 41 hectares (101 acres).
  • The proposed built infrastructure will be located towards the northwestern part of the site (shown in blue) close to the sewage treatment works with the south western part of the site being left free from development.
  • The solar farm will be operational for a period of up to 40 years, after which the panels and supporting infrastructure would be decommissioned and removed from the site and as many items as possible will be recycled or re-purposed, with the site returned to farmland.
  • The development will connect to the UK Power Networks distribution network via a new underground cable to an existing pole, which is located in a field to the northeast of the site off Chiltern Green Road.
  • The majority of the site is lower quality Grade 3b land with a small area being Grade 3a and another small area being Grade 4. The majority of the site is not considered to be best and most versatile agricultural land, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

  • The site encompasses land to the south of West Hyde Road, East Hyde, Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire as denoted by the blue area on the plan below. The name 'Coles Solar Farm' refers to the name of the fields.
  • The site is located within the Green Belt.
  • The proposed solar farm will have a generating capacity of circa 22MW of renewable energy.
  • The proposed solar farm, together with the proposed new landscaping, below ground cable and access route cover an area of circa 41 hectares (101 acres).
  • The proposed built infrastructure will be located towards the northwestern part of the site (shown in blue) close to the sewage treatment works with the south western part of the site being left free from development.
  • The solar farm will be operational for a period of up to 40 years, after which the panels and supporting infrastructure would be decommissioned and removed from the site and as many items as possible will be recycled or re-purposed, with the site returned to farmland.
  • The development will connect to the UK Power Networks distribution network via a new underground cable to an existing pole, which is located in a field to the northeast of the site off Chiltern Green Road.
  • The majority of the site is lower quality Grade 3b land with a small area being Grade 3a and another small area being Grade 4. The majority of the site is not considered to be best and most versatile agricultural land, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

We have prepared the draft site layout below. The design of our proposals respond, where appropriate, to technical studies and feedback from pre-app discussion with the LPA received to date.

All our solar farms include minimum separation distances between solar panels of 3 meters. Biodiversity enhancements such as species rich grassland can be implemented between the panels. The development will result in notable ecological and landscape improvements through the proposed planting.

The development would consist of static rows of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels fixed onto a metal framework supported by either single or double mounted posts, together with supporting infrastructure, inverters and transformers (to be housed in cabinets), a customer substation and DNO substation, and a storage container, access, boundary fencing and new landscaping.

  • The panels would be set no more than 3m above ground level.
  • The metal posts supporting the tables of PV panels would be pile-driven into the ground.
  • The panel tables would be laid out in straight rows west to east across the field set at vertical angle of between 20 and 25 degrees.
  • The final number of panels depends on a variety of factors such as the capacity of each panel and the design of the rows of panels.
  • None of the on-site infrastructure cabinets are to be greater than 4m tall.
  • The site will have a perimeter wide paladin fence with a maximum height of 2.5m, as well as CCTV cameras facing into the site. There would be no need for floodlighting.
  • Existing boundary hedgerows will be maintained and reinforced where possible and the planting of new hedgerows along the eastern and southern boundaries of the site, together with new species rich grassland beneath the panels will result in significant ecological and landscape improvements.

We have prepared the draft site layout below. The design of our proposals respond, where appropriate, to technical studies and feedback from pre-app discussion with the LPA received to date.

All our solar farms include minimum separation distances between solar panels of 3 meters. Biodiversity enhancements such as species rich grassland can be implemented between the panels. The development will result in notable ecological and landscape improvements through the proposed planting.

The development would consist of static rows of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels fixed onto a metal framework supported by either single or double mounted posts, together with supporting infrastructure, inverters and transformers (to be housed in cabinets), a customer substation and DNO substation, and a storage container, access, boundary fencing and new landscaping.

  • The panels would be set no more than 3m above ground level.
  • The metal posts supporting the tables of PV panels would be pile-driven into the ground.
  • The panel tables would be laid out in straight rows west to east across the field set at vertical angle of between 20 and 25 degrees.
  • The final number of panels depends on a variety of factors such as the capacity of each panel and the design of the rows of panels.
  • None of the on-site infrastructure cabinets are to be greater than 4m tall.
  • The site will have a perimeter wide paladin fence with a maximum height of 2.5m, as well as CCTV cameras facing into the site. There would be no need for floodlighting.
  • Existing boundary hedgerows will be maintained and reinforced where possible and the planting of new hedgerows along the eastern and southern boundaries of the site, together with new species rich grassland beneath the panels will result in significant ecological and landscape improvements.

Community Benefits

The development will bring additional community, benefits, including job creation during the construction and operation of the solar farm. Educational opportunities may also be provided, such as through the installation of interpretation boards to be installed in publicly accessible locations to enhance learning.

 

Environmental Benefits 

The circa 22MW generating capacity will enable 7,850 homes to be powered each year and will reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to that of 2,850 petrol cars over 40 years.

 

Species Rich Grassland

The land around and beneath the solar panels will be sown with species rich grassland, significantly enhancing biodiversity on site.

 

Trees and Hedges

Trees and hedges will be added around the site, specifically to the eastern and southern boundaries. This will increase the screening of the site, enhance the landscape character, and provide excellent connectivity, foraging and shelter for wildlife.

 

Bird and Bat Boxes

These will be located around the perimeter of the site to encourage bats to roost and birds. Hibernacula, insect hotels, and log piles around the site will provide an additional resource for local species.

 

 

Community Benefits

The development will bring additional community, benefits, including job creation during the construction and operation of the solar farm. Educational opportunities may also be provided, such as through the installation of interpretation boards to be installed in publicly accessible locations to enhance learning.

 

Environmental Benefits 

The circa 22MW generating capacity will enable 7,850 homes to be powered each year and will reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to that of 2,850 petrol cars over 40 years.

 

Species Rich Grassland

The land around and beneath the solar panels will be sown with species rich grassland, significantly enhancing biodiversity on site.

 

Trees and Hedges

Trees and hedges will be added around the site, specifically to the eastern and southern boundaries. This will increase the screening of the site, enhance the landscape character, and provide excellent connectivity, foraging and shelter for wildlife.

 

Bird and Bat Boxes

These will be located around the perimeter of the site to encourage bats to roost and birds. Hibernacula, insect hotels, and log piles around the site will provide an additional resource for local species.

 

 

The Planning Process

 

We intend to submit a full planning application to Central Bedfordshire Council once we have reviewed the responses received to this consultation and made any required updates to the proposed design.

 

The proposed design has sought to respond to pre-application advice received from Central Bedfordshire Council  and the recommendations of a number of technical assessments which are ongoing and include:

 

Landscape and Visual Impact

 

A Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVA) is being undertaken in accordance with a methodology compliant with The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment Guidelines. The layout of the development and the positioning of the proposed infrastructure to the east of the site which benefits from existing screening, has been informed by an assessment of landscape and visual sensitivities. The proposed design aims to minimise effects on visual amenity and landscape character and will deliver notable improvements through new landscaping wherever possible. An assessment of the development on the openness of the Green Belt is also being undertaken and used to inform the proposals.

 

Ecology

 

An assessment of the site’s ecological sensitivity has been undertaken. The layout of the site and the proposed landscape planting includes measures that will minimise impacts on notable species and enhance local biodiversity, as well as delivering new habitats through tree, hedgerow and meadow planting.

 

Cultural Heritage

 

An assessment is being undertaken to understand the potential impacts of the proposed development on above and below ground heritage assets. The southern boundary of Luton Hoo Grade II* Registered Park and Garden (RPG) is approximately 250m to the north of the site. The RPG contains a mix of Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II Listed Buildings. There are two Grade II Listed Buildings within the hamlet of East Hyde. The draft layout has been informed by an understanding of local heritage assets and the site’s contribution to their setting.

 

Transport and Access

 

During the construction period, it is estimated that that there will be 2-3 HGV trips per day. Once operational, traffic movements will be limited to no more than a single car or van per week with parking provided on site.

 

Flood Risk

 

A flood risk assessment and drainage strategy is being prepared to ensure that the proposed development does not increase the risk of flooding both on or off site.

 

The site is located in Flood Zone 1, which is at the lowest risk of flooding. 

 

The site would remain landscaped with grassland/vegetation surrounding and beneath the solar panels. The rows of solar panels do not prevent direct infiltration into the ground.

 

The flood risk assessment and surface water drainage strategy will seek to ensure that the current surface water runoff and the associated flood risk does not increase as a result of the proposed development.

The Planning Process

 

We intend to submit a full planning application to Central Bedfordshire Council once we have reviewed the responses received to this consultation and made any required updates to the proposed design.

 

The proposed design has sought to respond to pre-application advice received from Central Bedfordshire Council  and the recommendations of a number of technical assessments which are ongoing and include:

 

Landscape and Visual Impact

 

A Landscape and Visual Assessment (LVA) is being undertaken in accordance with a methodology compliant with The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment Guidelines. The layout of the development and the positioning of the proposed infrastructure to the east of the site which benefits from existing screening, has been informed by an assessment of landscape and visual sensitivities. The proposed design aims to minimise effects on visual amenity and landscape character and will deliver notable improvements through new landscaping wherever possible. An assessment of the development on the openness of the Green Belt is also being undertaken and used to inform the proposals.

 

Ecology

 

An assessment of the site’s ecological sensitivity has been undertaken. The layout of the site and the proposed landscape planting includes measures that will minimise impacts on notable species and enhance local biodiversity, as well as delivering new habitats through tree, hedgerow and meadow planting.

 

Cultural Heritage

 

An assessment is being undertaken to understand the potential impacts of the proposed development on above and below ground heritage assets. The southern boundary of Luton Hoo Grade II* Registered Park and Garden (RPG) is approximately 250m to the north of the site. The RPG contains a mix of Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II Listed Buildings. There are two Grade II Listed Buildings within the hamlet of East Hyde. The draft layout has been informed by an understanding of local heritage assets and the site’s contribution to their setting.

 

Transport and Access

 

During the construction period, it is estimated that that there will be 2-3 HGV trips per day. Once operational, traffic movements will be limited to no more than a single car or van per week with parking provided on site.

 

Flood Risk

 

A flood risk assessment and drainage strategy is being prepared to ensure that the proposed development does not increase the risk of flooding both on or off site.

 

The site is located in Flood Zone 1, which is at the lowest risk of flooding. 

 

The site would remain landscaped with grassland/vegetation surrounding and beneath the solar panels. The rows of solar panels do not prevent direct infiltration into the ground.

 

The flood risk assessment and surface water drainage strategy will seek to ensure that the current surface water runoff and the associated flood risk does not increase as a result of the proposed development.

Solar farms can be built relatively quickly compared with many other forms of energy development. Any disruption is minimal and well controlled by adherence to existing regulations administered by Central Bedfordshire Council. Key information is outlined below.

 

Construction Information

 

A typical construction period for a solar farm at this scale is around 9-12 months. During the construction period, it is estimated that that there will be 2-3 HGV trips per day. Whilst this figure is an average, there will often be a higher volume earlier in the construction period and less towards the end. A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be agreed with the Local Highways Authority ahead of any construction.

 

Access Information

 

The site will be accessed from West Hyde Road, to the north via an existing point of access that will be widened slightly to allow construction vehicles to access. During the operational phase of the development, it is estimated that a small van will access the site once per week for maintenance purposes.

 

Cable Route Information

 

The development would connect to UK Power Networks distribution system via a new underground cable, along the edge of West Hyde Road and then off Chiltern Green Road into a field to the north and connecting into an existing overhead line.

Solar farms can be built relatively quickly compared with many other forms of energy development. Any disruption is minimal and well controlled by adherence to existing regulations administered by Central Bedfordshire Council. Key information is outlined below.

 

Construction Information

 

A typical construction period for a solar farm at this scale is around 9-12 months. During the construction period, it is estimated that that there will be 2-3 HGV trips per day. Whilst this figure is an average, there will often be a higher volume earlier in the construction period and less towards the end. A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be agreed with the Local Highways Authority ahead of any construction.

 

Access Information

 

The site will be accessed from West Hyde Road, to the north via an existing point of access that will be widened slightly to allow construction vehicles to access. During the operational phase of the development, it is estimated that a small van will access the site once per week for maintenance purposes.

 

Cable Route Information

 

The development would connect to UK Power Networks distribution system via a new underground cable, along the edge of West Hyde Road and then off Chiltern Green Road into a field to the north and connecting into an existing overhead line.

Thank you for taking the time to review our draft proposals. The consultation period has now closed.  

We will be considering all of the comments that we have received which will be used, where relevant, to inform the final scheme. 

There will be a further opportunity for you to comment directly on the final proposals when we formally submit the planning application to Central Bedfordshire Council.

 

We want to ensure that members of the community who live and work near to this proposal are fully informed and have the opportunity to comment on our plans. We encourage feedback to help influence the design and biodiversity enhancements.

 

Please direct these comments to our planning consultant at: colessolarfarm@pegasusgroup.co.uk by midnight on 15th October 2025 or write to us at:

 

Coles Solar Farm Consultation

Pegasus Group

33 Sheep Street

Cirencester

Gloucestershire

GL7 1RQ

 

Thank you for taking the time to review our draft proposals. The consultation period has now closed.  

We will be considering all of the comments that we have received which will be used, where relevant, to inform the final scheme. 

There will be a further opportunity for you to comment directly on the final proposals when we formally submit the planning application to Central Bedfordshire Council.

 

We want to ensure that members of the community who live and work near to this proposal are fully informed and have the opportunity to comment on our plans. We encourage feedback to help influence the design and biodiversity enhancements.

 

Please direct these comments to our planning consultant at: colessolarfarm@pegasusgroup.co.uk by midnight on 15th October 2025 or write to us at:

 

Coles Solar Farm Consultation

Pegasus Group

33 Sheep Street

Cirencester

Gloucestershire

GL7 1RQ