Community consultation event for potential new site in West Hoathly

When we started REPOWERBalcombe, our aim was always to generate the equivalent to 100% of Balcombe’s electricity demand through community-owned locally-generated renewable energy.

We are coming closer to realising this aim (and more) with an exciting new proposal on the horizon. Following from our successful solar PV installation at Grange Farm, and plans to install solar PV on Balcombe Primary and Turners Hill Primary, we are currently negotiating for a ground mount solar PV array just outside of Balcombe.

The proposed site for the ground mount solar PV array is: Chiddinglye, Selsfield Road, West Hoathly, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4QS.

The site is in the West Hoathly parish, so we are planning to hold a community consultation event on Wednesday 20th May 2015 from 3pm – 9pm in West Hoathly Village Hall, where we will be presenting the project proposal, and receiving feedback from the community.

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As supporters of REPOWERBalcombe, please do come along on 20th May to learn about this exciting new proposal, and please do let everyone you know in West Hoathly know about the event. We would be very pleased to have you and friends from West Hoathly support us at this event.

A commercial developer is planning to develop the site for solar PV. REPOWERBalcombe is currently in negotiations with the developer, called Low Carbon, to explore the possibilities for REPOWERBalcombe to buy the project from them so that profits from the development can benefit local communities.

P.S. For an example of a community-owned solar farm of similar scale to the Chiddinglye proposal check out Westmill Solar Co-op here.