How does Solar PV work?
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy is the most promising and popular form of solar energy. It works by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is made of photons which are small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons agitate the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move (or are dislodged), they are routed into a current. This is electricity – the movement of electrons along a path. These electrons are then conducted through a wire to the grid.
Benefits of Solar PV
What equipment will be used on site?
The following components are proposed for this solar farm:
Solar Panels
The proposed solar farm will be made up, principally, of dark blue or black solar panels. Each panel is approximately 2.4 x 1.3m. The solar panels will be arranged in a series of rows up to a height of 3.2m at the highest point and tilted southwards at an angle of, typically, 10 – 25 degrees from horizontal.
Inverters
Inverters are required to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic modules to grid compatible alternating current (AC). The inverters are typically 7 m long x 2.5 m wide x 3 m high with a concrete base. To see photos of inverters, please visit the photos section.
Grid connection
The proposed solar farm will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed solar farm will require a cable easement to connect to the substation which is located just to the north of the Site.
Access track
A 4 m wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the inverters and the substation compound.
Fencing
A 2.4m timber post and wire deer proof fence will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. Matching gates will be provided at key access points at the site.
CCTV
A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time.
CLOSEOur objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. PV developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil, largely undisturbed sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the of the development. An ecological appraisal and required protected species surveys have been undertaken to help inform the baseline assessments and design evolution. Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site. These measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.
CLOSE
The UK is undergoing a major change in the way it meets its energy needs. In 2019, the Government legislated to commit the country to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050 in comparison to emissions at 1990 levels. To meet the national need caused by these trends we need to adapt our infrastructure to offer clean, low carbon sources of energy generation that are fit for the future.
In order to meet the emission targets, set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 and the most recent climate change conference, COP26, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power available and reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. The COP26 targets outline the need to invest in renewable energy now in order to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions can be achieved by 2050.
On a national scale, the UK Government is working towards hitting goals set out in the Sixth Carbon Budget (2021), which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035. On a local scale, Darlington Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and passed a motion committing the council to reach net carbon zero emission by 2050.
The Development will generate electricity with a very low carbon footprint and help the UK accelerate decarbonisation and achieve the energy targets set at both the national and local scale. Overall, it will contribute to the UK’s efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
In their Local Plan 2016-2036, Darlington Borough Council has included a Renewable Energy Infrastructure policy (Policy IN 9) which is aimed to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. The policy states ‘renewable and low carbon energy development including community-led initiatives will be supported across the Borough… In determining planning applications for such projects significant weight will be given to the achievement of wider social, environmental and economic benefits.
Landscape
A footpath (Footpath No.3 in the Parish of Neasham) runs across the south western corner of the Site, along the private road leading to Low Maidendale Farm, continuing south. The footpath also crosses the proposed access track to the north of the Site. The Bridleway (Bridleway No.2 in the Parish of Neasham) runs into the western boundary of the Site. The footpaths will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way are retained. A number of other public rights of way transverse the perimeter of the Site. A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the Site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees would be retained as part of the Development where possible. There is another operational solar farm (15/00484/FUL) located approximately 65 m north of the Site.
CLOSE
Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.
We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community.
A community digital consultation is ongoing via this website where you are able to make comment on the proposals directly to us via the survey provided or via email. These comments must be submitted no later than 21st of November 2025.
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Site Location
The Site is located in County Durham, approximately 1.5 km to the southeast of Darlington, approximately 1.5km southwest of the village of Middleton St George and 2.3km northeast of the village of Hurworth-on-Tees, Durham. The Site is on agricultural land at Land to the east side of Burma Road Hurworth Moor, Darlington, DL2 1QG and is within the administrative boundary of Darlington Borough Council.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is 77 ha / 190 acres and the likely developable area will be approximately 75 ha /183 acres once areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed.
Temporary Development
Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.
Site Access
Access to the Site will be off the the A66.
Generating Capacity & CO2 savings
The Solar Park would have a capacity to export up to 38MW, enough low carbon electricity to power approximately 12,000 homes in and around Darlington every year.
Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 12-16 weeks, delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 6 HGV movements (3 arrivals and 3 departures) per day. During the 40-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 8 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.
Decommissioning the site
At the end of the proposed 4, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Hurworth Moor Solar PV Farm will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Noise
Each inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council.
Emissions
No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape
A footpath (Footpath No.3 in the Parish of Neasham) runs across the south western corner of the Site, along the private road leading to Low Maidendale Farm, continuing south. The footpath also crosses the proposed access track to the north of the Site. The Bridleway (Bridleway No.2 in the Parish of Neasham) runs into the western boundary of the Site. The footpaths will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way are retained. A number of other public rights of way transverse the perimeter of the Site. A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the Site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees would be retained as part of the Development where possible. There is another operational solar farm (15/00484/FUL) located approximately 65 m north of the Site.
Use of Agricultural Land
The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for arable crop cultivation. Following an Agricultural Land Classification, the Site was classified as mostly Grade 3b land and is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.
CLOSE
How does Solar PV work?
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy is the most promising and popular form of solar energy. It works by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is made of photons which are small particles of energy. These photons are absorbed by and pass through the material of a solar cell or solar photovoltaic panel. The photons agitate the electrons found in the material of the photovoltaic cell. As they begin to move (or are dislodged), they are routed into a current. This is electricity – the movement of electrons along a path. These electrons are then conducted through a wire to the grid.
Benefits of Solar PV
What equipment will be used on site?
The following components are proposed for this solar farm:
Solar Panels
The proposed solar farm will be made up, principally, of dark blue or black solar panels. Each panel is approximately 2.4 x 1.3m. The solar panels will be arranged in a series of rows up to a height of 3.2m at the highest point and tilted southwards at an angle of, typically, 10 – 25 degrees from horizontal.
Inverters
Inverters are required to convert the direct current generated by the photovoltaic modules to grid compatible alternating current (AC). The inverters are typically 7 m long x 2.5 m wide x 3 m high with a concrete base. To see photos of inverters, please visit the photos section.
Grid connection
The proposed solar farm will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed solar farm will require a cable easement to connect to the substation which is located just to the north of the Site.
Access track
A 4 m wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the inverters and the substation compound.
Fencing
A 2.4m timber post and wire deer proof fence will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. Matching gates will be provided at key access points at the site.
CCTV
A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time.
CLOSEOur objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. PV developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil, largely undisturbed sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the of the development. An ecological appraisal and required protected species surveys have been undertaken to help inform the baseline assessments and design evolution. Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site. These measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity.
CLOSE
The UK is undergoing a major change in the way it meets its energy needs. In 2019, the Government legislated to commit the country to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050 in comparison to emissions at 1990 levels. To meet the national need caused by these trends we need to adapt our infrastructure to offer clean, low carbon sources of energy generation that are fit for the future.
In order to meet the emission targets, set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 and the most recent climate change conference, COP26, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power available and reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. The COP26 targets outline the need to invest in renewable energy now in order to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions can be achieved by 2050.
On a national scale, the UK Government is working towards hitting goals set out in the Sixth Carbon Budget (2021), which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035. On a local scale, Darlington Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and passed a motion committing the council to reach net carbon zero emission by 2050.
The Development will generate electricity with a very low carbon footprint and help the UK accelerate decarbonisation and achieve the energy targets set at both the national and local scale. Overall, it will contribute to the UK’s efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
In their Local Plan 2016-2036, Darlington Borough Council has included a Renewable Energy Infrastructure policy (Policy IN 9) which is aimed to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. The policy states ‘renewable and low carbon energy development including community-led initiatives will be supported across the Borough… In determining planning applications for such projects significant weight will be given to the achievement of wider social, environmental and economic benefits.
Landscape
A footpath (Footpath No.3 in the Parish of Neasham) runs across the south western corner of the Site, along the private road leading to Low Maidendale Farm, continuing south. The footpath also crosses the proposed access track to the north of the Site. The Bridleway (Bridleway No.2 in the Parish of Neasham) runs into the western boundary of the Site. The footpaths will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way are retained. A number of other public rights of way transverse the perimeter of the Site. A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the Site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees would be retained as part of the Development where possible. There is another operational solar farm (15/00484/FUL) located approximately 65 m north of the Site.
CLOSE
Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.
We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community.
A community digital consultation is ongoing via this website where you are able to make comment on the proposals directly to us via the survey provided or via email. These comments must be submitted no later than 21st of November 2025.
CLOSE
Site Location
The Site is located in County Durham, approximately 1.5 km to the southeast of Darlington, approximately 1.5km southwest of the village of Middleton St George and 2.3km northeast of the village of Hurworth-on-Tees, Durham. The Site is on agricultural land at Land to the east side of Burma Road Hurworth Moor, Darlington, DL2 1QG and is within the administrative boundary of Darlington Borough Council.
Size of the Site
The red line boundary is 77 ha / 190 acres and the likely developable area will be approximately 75 ha /183 acres once areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed.
Temporary Development
Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 40 years.
Site Access
Access to the Site will be off the the A66.
Generating Capacity & CO2 savings
The Solar Park would have a capacity to export up to 38MW, enough low carbon electricity to power approximately 12,000 homes in and around Darlington every year.
Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic
During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 12-16 weeks, delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 6 HGV movements (3 arrivals and 3 departures) per day. During the 40-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 8 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.
Decommissioning the site
At the end of the proposed 4, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority.
It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Hurworth Moor Solar PV Farm will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:
Noise
Each inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council.
Emissions
No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development.
Landscape
A footpath (Footpath No.3 in the Parish of Neasham) runs across the south western corner of the Site, along the private road leading to Low Maidendale Farm, continuing south. The footpath also crosses the proposed access track to the north of the Site. The Bridleway (Bridleway No.2 in the Parish of Neasham) runs into the western boundary of the Site. The footpaths will be incorporated in the design of the Development so that the rights of way are retained. A number of other public rights of way transverse the perimeter of the Site. A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the Site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees would be retained as part of the Development where possible. There is another operational solar farm (15/00484/FUL) located approximately 65 m north of the Site.
Use of Agricultural Land
The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for arable crop cultivation. Following an Agricultural Land Classification, the Site was classified as mostly Grade 3b land and is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.
CLOSE