Exagen Group is seeking to develop Oak Valley Energy Park, a renewable energy project comprising a ground mounted solar photovoltaics (PV) array with co-located battery storage.

The company have held consultation evenings, during which the RGA has obtained and clarified the information below. The RGA is still to decide whether, on behalf of the village residents, it should have a view on the proposal. It is likely that this decision will be taken once formal planning permission has been sought.

Exagon haven’t yet built a solar farm and are a new company, they have a number of other applications / plans in place.

This is a green belt site put forward by the farmer. Sites are also chosen by the Company through its own searches and selection depends on factors like access to the site, topography of the land (that’s the area’s physical features) and importantly the availability of National Grid connections. They appreciate green belt sites bring planning approval complications. Mention made of the extra complication of the Bromsgrove District Plan Review and proposals to come soon on land to be proposed for green belt removal. Thus, suggestion that this application for planning approval could be seen as premature. Further mention that at the end of the solar farm’s 40-year life, this land would revert to green belt. However local experience eg in Hopwood indicates that that Bromsgrove planners would consider this as previously developed land.

Battery technology, currently LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate – not “Lithium-ion”), but might change to “Sodium solid state”. Fire risk was discussed with the concern of some fire and rescue services about the near proximity of these systems to residential developments. In this project the battery storage units (of a size similar to containers carried by ships) are said to be a significant distance from the local pub and the surrounding properties. Although no staff would be on site, there would be constant camera monitoring and fire control systems.

Any sound generation would be typically less than that coming from the nearby motorway system. Three noise emitting areas : substation, battery containers, inverter units. A background noise survey has just been carried out. Typically, no more than 5 DB above background. They didn’t know (didn’t want to talk about) frequency. Noise barriers, green and up to 3 m to be erected.

2.5m “deer” fencing (wooden posts and metal mesh) will be used around the solar panels at the site and high palisade fencing around the battery storage compound. Small animal passage? “yes we think so”.
Hedgerows, site to be surrounded by hedgerows but it won’t cover everything. They will all be native local species, as advised by their ecologist
Modifications to overhead power lines? None – underground cabling.
Security lighting is infra-red and the security cameras would all be inward pointing (reference made to the dark skies area in which we live).
Solar panels are of a size and height (2.6m to 3.1m angle, typically 20 degrees) for sheep to graze underneath and their angle permits grass, often quite lush, to grow beneath. Other flora and fauna catered for by the biodiversity areas around the site. In final decisions on the layout of solar panels, consideration will be given to the impact on views from surrounding vantage points in recognition of the popularity of the area with walkers. (Exagen are aware of the National Trust 8 hills project which includes this site location.)
No regular transport to/from the site once construction is completed. Site access issues are being explored with transport consultants. The turning into Icknield Street opposite the Coach and Horses may need widening by up to 40cm. From Icknield Street, the farm will be accessed from existing farm tracks which are currently used by HGV’s without problem.
Solar Farm Construction would take place over a maximum of 8 months. If planning approval was granted by early 2025 construction it would be underway during the latter part of that year into 2026. No grid connection available until 2026 at the earliest and 2033 at the latest.

The Exagen website can be viewed below. It has much more information, but only the details above have been clarified by the RGA