Sunday, 30 August 2026 19:29
By Greg Lambert @greglam72
A new solar farm near Lancaster University is now generating renewable energy to help fund vital council services.
Lancaster City Council said the completion of the Burrow Beck Solar Farm marks a major step forward for renewable energy generation in the district, while creating a long-term programme of habitat creation and nature recovery.
Set across two adjoining sites north of Bailrigg Lane, the council's ground-mounted solar farm is expected to generate around 3,735 MWh of renewable energy each year, the equivalent annual electricity use of around 1,500 three-bedroom homes.
Fully energised since July 2026, the electricity is currently sold to the National Grid, creating a valuable new source of income to support council services.
Together with the council's solar installations at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre and Gateway, Burrow Beck will help generate more than 5GWh of renewable electricity each year, more than the council's estate typically imports from the grid.
Based on current forecasts and energy prices, the combined portfolio is expected to provide a financial benefit of around £550,000 per annum and help insulate the council from rising energy prices.
As well as creating clean energy, the species-poor agricultural land is being transformed into the district’s first habitat bank, subject to registration.
Native wildflower seed has been sown across four hectares, together with new hedgerow, tree and aquatic planting, to establish rich ecological habitats where wildlife can thrive.
Ecologists forecast that the project will deliver an increase in biodiversity of approximately 90 per cent, along with 19 additional biodiversity units, which could support future council projects or be sold locally to meet off-site development Biodiversity Net Gain obligations.
"Burrow Beck is an excellent example of how council-owned land can deliver clean energy, income and substantial long-term benefits for nature at the same time," said Councillor Sam Riches, cabinet member with responsibility for climate action.
“By investing in clean energy, we are helping to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change and creating opportunities for future innovation that will support our communities.
“It also reflects the council’s wider commitment to protect and enhance the district’s unique ecology for decades to come and I’m excited to see the difference this project will make as the habitats mature.”
The habitats will take several years to fully develop and will be managed and monitored under the approved Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan for at least 30 years.
Historically, the site was grazed and this will resume once the grassland is sufficiently established, as part of a carefully managed conservation-grazing regime.
Planning permission was granted in September 2024, despite objections from residents.
Lancaster City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions within the district.
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