University of Surrey Solar Farm Project Receives Planning Approval

The University of Surrey has been granted permission to construct a solar farm on green belt land within the county. In collaboration with SSE Energy Solutions, the university announced that the facility is expected to supply 34% of its electricity. The project is planned for a 43-hectare site located west of Blackwell Farm, Hog’s Back, near Guildford. The scheme received approval from Guildford Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday. Will Davies, the university’s chief operating officer, stated: “This solar facility is critically important for our university and the wider Guildford community, helping us to deliver on our commitment to achieve net zero by 2030, while also enhancing our financial stability and energy security after the price shocks caused by the energy crisis.” He further added: “Our modest scheme will boost the county of Surrey’s renewable energy generation capacity by 13%.” Davies also noted: “It will be delivered alongside wider plans to add solar to university rooftops and car parks, and a package of measures to increase our energy efficiency in general.” While the university’s students’ union supported the application, approximately 100 local residents and 15 other groups had submitted letters of objection.