Construction of a huge solar farm that is planned near Wokingham could be delayed for three years or more.
Plans have been in the works for years to create a solar farm on fields in Barkham, replacing land that was previously used by a tenant cow farmer.
There were hopes that the Barkham Solar Farm could be constructed this Spring.
However, plans to begin the work have been paused due to changes to the government’s proposed timescales for connection to the national electricity system.
The government has changed its timetable for renewable schemes across the country leaving some projects that had clear timescales, such as Barkham, no longer able to rely on early connection dates or certainty over how much electricity they’ll be able to export.
Under the original arrangements, an initial connection was contracted for 2027, followed by a full connection in 2028.
While the initial connection date remains in place, full connection is now scheduled for some time between 2031 and 2035.
This lack of certainty means that officials at Wokingham Borough Council feel it is irresponsible to enter a multi-million-pound contract and start construction at this time.
The council is actively challenging the changes and pressing for the original connection dates to remain in place.
Senior leaders, including the chief executive Susan Parsonage, council leader Stephen Conway (Liberal Democrats, Twyford, Ruscombe & Hurst, and the executive member, have written to the organisations responsible and met with network representatives to seek answers.
Work is also underway with industry partners to highlight the wider impact of the reforms, strengthening the case for the decision to be reviewed.
Councillor Katrin Harding (Liberal Democrats, Thames), executive member for environment and climate emergency, said: “This delay is not of the council’s making. Barkham Solar Farm was ready to proceed, with planning, funding in place and a clear delivery programme based on connection dates that had already been agreed.
“We recognise that changes to the electricity connection system were needed to bring cleaner, secure energy online. However, it is particularly disappointing that a locally owned project like Barkham, which is ready to start construction, has been delayed – especially when more solar power is needed before 2030 and this scheme could help deliver it.
“While this creates uncertainty in the short term, we remain fully committed to the project and are confident it will be a strong and valuable asset for the borough once it moves forward.”
The solar farm is a key part of the council’s climate emergency action plan and its work towards a carbon neutral borough.
By generating renewable energy locally and feeding it back into the grid, the project will help reduce carbon emissions and support secure and sustainable energy resources.
Current forecasts also show the solar farm is expected to generate a significant net income for the council which will help fund important local services at a time of increasing financial pressures.
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2026. The Bracknell News is owned and operated by Newsquest Media Group Ltd, an audited local newspaper network.
Visit newsquest.co.uk to view our policies and terms.
The Echo Building, 18 Albert Road, Bournemouth, England BH1 1BZ. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
