The Oakley Bush Solar Farm is a proposed 684-acre renewable energy project near Corby and Kettering, designed to generate up to 55 Gigawatt hours of electricity annually—enough to power 20,000 homes. If approved, the site would include solar panels, a battery energy storage system, and supporting infrastructure, contributing significantly to the region’s clean energy goals.
Oakley Bush Solar Farm: A Bold Renewable Energy Vision
Plans for a large-scale renewable energy project, the Oakley Bush Solar Farm, have been submitted to North Northamptonshire Council. The proposed development—located between Corby and Kettering—would span an impressive 684 acres. To put this in perspective, the site is equivalent in size to 342 football pitches and three times larger than nearby Geddington.
The proposed solar farm would be located near the villages of Newton and Geddington on land owned by the Buccleuch Group. This land is part of the Boughton Estate and is integral to the group’s wider land-use strategy. Named Oakley Bush Solar Farm, the project aims to generate up to 55 Gigawatt hours of energy each year, enough to power as many as 20,000 homes annually.
The application, filed under the company name Oakley Bush Solar Limited, seeks permission for the project’s construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning. In addition to its solar panel arrays, the site would include a battery energy storage system (BESS) and an electricity substation. The plan also includes supporting infrastructure such as inverters, fencing, CCTV, cabling, and an internal access track to support efficient energy generation and storage.
Community and Environmental Considerations
While the Oakley Bush Solar Farm promises significant environmental benefits, it has also raised local concerns. A key issue highlighted during public consultations is the impact on public access, as a right of way crossing the proposed site would need to be redirected. Developers describe this as a “minor adverse” effect, but it remains a point of concern for nearby residents.
If approved, the project offers financial benefits to Geddington Parish Council, which stands to receive £195,000 from the developers once electricity is exported to the grid. These funds could then be used for community improvement projects, offering a tangible benefit to local residents.
Despite these potential advantages, the project has sparked mixed reactions. During the public consultation period, residents closest to the site were invited to share their views on its design and potential impact. While some have welcomed the renewable energy initiative, others remain cautious about its implications for the local landscape and infrastructure.
The formal consultation period is currently underway and remains open until Thursday, December 18, allowing residents and stakeholders to review the plans and provide feedback. North Northamptonshire Council will consider these responses—alongside environmental and technical assessments—before making its final decision.
Renewable Energy for a Greener Future
If approved, the Oakley Bush Solar Farm would have an operational lifespan of approximately 40 years. At the end of this period, the land would be decommissioned and returned to its original state. This long-term vision highlights the developers’ commitment to balancing renewable energy production with environmental stewardship.
The Oakley Bush Solar Farm is part of broader efforts to transition toward renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By generating clean, sustainable electricity, the project would contribute to the UK’s national energy goals. The solar farm would not only help address regional energy challenges but also strengthen North Northamptonshire’s role in renewable energy development.
The Oakley Bush Solar Farm represents a step toward a greener, more sustainable future. By harnessing the power of the sun, it has the potential to reduce carbon emissions and support energy resilience in North Northamptonshire. As the consultation period progresses, residents and stakeholders have an important opportunity to help shape this ambitious project.