Station Docks Solar Farm
Story Marine is preparing to submit a Planning Application to Stroud District Council for Station Docks Solar Farm and welcomes comments from the communities of Abwell and Wanswell and wider communities of Hamfallow Parish.
Story Marine is proposing the Station Docks Solar Farm which is a 5MW export Solar PV installation. This is a sustainable development that supports the UK’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050 and the decarbonisation of the electricity network by 2035. The proposed Solar Farm will supply renewable energy to the local electricity network as well as to offset electrical demand at Story Marine shore power assets promoting the use of shore power over diesel by vessels at berth. The proposed 5MW local-grid export capacity Solar Farm would have the capacity to power 1,500 homes annually. The project is currently at pre-planning stage and comments and feedback on the proposals are welcomed from the local community via the email address below. These will assist in influencing the final design.
stationdocksolarfarm@storymarine.comThe site of the Station Docks Solar Farm is located to the west of Abwell and south of Wanswell. The site lies 700m north of Berkeley, with Rookery Lane forming the northern boundary, the B4066 and the Sharpness branch railway line forming the southern boundary and Station Road to the east. The site comprises 9ha of agricultural land with further agricultural land lying to the west, east and south. There are residential properties to the east on Station road and to the north of Rookery Lane. There are no public rights of way within the site and the solar farm would be accessed via two possible access points extending west from Station Road, leading to the main site entrance.
The proposed Station Docks Solar Farm is a 5MW export Solar PV Farm comprising solar panels, substations, inverters and associated access and areas reserved for landscaping and biodiversity enhancement. The solar panels would be around 2.5m in height and set within 2m high stock proof fencing. Opportunities would be provided for sheep grazing to ensure the land remains in agricultural productivity. Solar energy generation’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is one of the main benefits of this renewable energy source as solar power produces no emissions during generation itself. Station Docks Solar Farm will export electricity to the local grid and supply Story Marine shore power assets, enabling marine operators access to more affordable, low‑carbon energy at berth instead of relying on diesel. In addition to the biodiversity areas added within the solar site itself, the development will include further biodiversity areas to the east providing valuable habitats for pollinators, birds, and small mammals and improve ecosystem resilience in the local area. Following a temporary construction period, the solar farm will operate quietly with minimal local impact and be fully removed with the land reinstated at the end of its life.
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The proposed Station Docks Solar Farm offers significant regional benefits, including enhanced energy security, reduced carbon emissions, community benefits and increased biodiversity. Further benefits of the proposed development are significant and wide-ranging:
- Biodiversity Enhancements – The development will significantly increase the biodiversity of the site and the local area through targeted planting and enhancements. This will not only provide valuable habitats for pollinators, birds, and small mammals but also improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance natural water infiltration.
- Improved Energy Security – The development will increase the generation of renewable energy in the UK reducing reliance on imported power and volatile national and international energy markets as well as transmission requirements.
- Contribution to the Stroud District Council climate emergency – The development will contribute to the climate emergency declared by Stroud District Council and their overarching target to make the district carbon-neutral by 2030.
- Economic and Social Benefits – The development will generate employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, contributing to local economic growth and skills development.
- Community and Social Benefits – As part of the development, there will be benefits included for the local communities of Abwell, Wanswell and Hamfallow Parish.
- Contribution to the Decarbonisation of UK Ports and Harbours – The energy generated from the development will be used to offset electrical demand at Story Marine shore power assets which promotes the use of shore power over burning diesel by vessels at berth.
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