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, and enough to power 20,000 homes. If approved, the site will include solar panels, a battery energy storage system, and supporting infrastructure, thereby 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 is 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 forms part of the Boughton Estate, which is part of 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. This output is enough to provide electricity to as many as 20,000 homes annually.
In addition to its solar panel arrays, the site would feature a battery energy storage system (BESS) and an electricity generation substation. The plan also includes associated infrastructure such as inverters, fencing, CCTV, cabling, and an internal access track. Together, these elements would allow for efficient energy generation and storage.
The application for the Oakley Bush Solar Farm has been filed under the company name Oakley Bush Solar Limited. It seeks permission for the construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of the site. Alongside solar panels and the BESS, the proposal includes ancillary works such as cabling, fencing, and internal access tracks.
Community and Environmental Considerations
While the Oakley Bush Solar Farm has the potential to deliver significant environmental benefits, it also raises local concerns. One key issue highlighted during public consultations is the impact on public access. A right of way currently crossing the proposed site would need to be redirected to accommodate the development. The developers have described this as a “minor adverse” effect, but it remains a point of concern for nearby residents.
Geddington Parish Council could see financial benefits from the project if it is approved. The council could receive £195,000 from the developers, payable once electricity is exported to the grid. These funds could be used for community improvement projects, providing a tangible benefit for residents.
Despite these potential advantages, the project has sparked mixed reactions. Residents closest to the site have been invited to share their views during the public consultation period. Earlier this year, the consultation process allowed community members to voice their opinions on the project’s design and potential impact. Some have welcomed the renewable energy initiative, while others remain cautious about its implications for the local landscape and infrastructure.
The formal consultation period for the project is currently underway and will remain open until Thursday, December 18. This allows residents and stakeholders to review the plans and provide feedback. North Northamptonshire Council will consider these responses — alongside environmental and technical assessments — before making a 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 underscores the developers’ commitment to balancing renewable energy production with environmental stewardship.
The Oakley Bush Solar Farm aligns with broader efforts to transition to renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By generating clean and sustainable electricity, the project would contribute to the UK's national energy goals. The solar farm would not only address energy challenges but also position North Northamptonshire as a leader in renewable energy development.
The Oakley Bush Solar Farm represents a step toward a greener and 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 a unique opportunity to shape this ambitious project.