Residents voice concerns over plans for solar farm near Maulden
Residents have raised concerns about plans for a large solar farm between Houghton Conquest and Maulden, with a planning application expected later this year.
Energy developer Brockwell Energy is preparing proposals for the Greenstead Solar scheme on land off Limbersey Lane, Maulden.
According to the company’s website, the development could cover around 75 hectares and generate up to 40 megawatts of electricity, the company said this is enough to power more than 13,000 homes.
A spokesperson said: “The proposed site for Greenstead Solar was selected due to the offer of a viable grid connection, its location away from a large number of residents, and the availability of natural screening due to mature vegetation.
The consultation documents said the site has been designed to “maximise” installed capacity “while taking into account environmental and other constraints”.
The plans said this includes wildlife habitats, public rights of way, existing utilities and field boundaries, and proximity to residents and ancient woodland.
The spokesperson said: “The ecological impact on any designated sites will be assessed in an ecological appraisal supporting a planning application.
“With at least 15 metres of buffering, the proposed development is unlikely to have significant ecological impact.”
The company added that where the site is visible, it “would not be prominent in views”, and areas of visibility to the south and east will be “reduced through a mixture of planting”.
However, some local residents have raised concerns about the scale of the scheme and its potential impact on the surrounding countryside, including farmland, landscape and nearby woodland.
One resident said the proposals risked changing the character of the area, which they described as valued for its rural setting.
Documents also show a public footpath crosses part of the site, which may need to be temporarily diverted during construction.
The construction phase is expected to last around 32 weeks, with minimal activity once the site becomes operational.
More information can be found here.
A planning application is expected to be submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council in summer 2026.