Private Energy Partners is proposing to build a 16.6MW solar farm, co-located with a 5MW two-hour battery energy storage system, on fields just south of the A303 near Bransbury Lane. The land identified for this renewable energy project has been carefully chosen for its potential to deliver solar powered electricity. We plan to incorporate battery storage to maximise the efficiency of the project and enhance energy reliability.
Solar energy is one of the cheapest and greenest sources of energy available. It has a crucial role to play in the UK’s energy security and in fighting climate change. Bransbury Lane Solar Farm would be a valuable part of the energy transition, contributing to both Hampshire county’s individual and, overall, the national, carbon reduction targets. We anticipate the energy output to be the equivalent of powering 7,110 homes, helping to support the local energy infrastructure. The scheme is estimated to save 4,319 tonnes CO2 per year, which over its 40-year lifespan could be as much as 172,760 tonnes of CO2.
The energy assets would cover 85 acres of the 150 acre site. We’d devote 27 acres to biodiversity enhancement measures, which would be informed by our full range of biodiversity surveys. We’ve already amended the design to protect the Andyke and are consulting with Historic England.
The remainder of the land will still be used for agricultural purposes and to produce food. A diverse mix of grasses, flowers and legumes will be planted and grazed with sheep, so it is not fully being taken out of agricultural production.
At the end of the farm’s 40-year lifespan, the land would be returned to its current state and use, with very well rested and improved soil.
The project would be privately and fully funded by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners.
The location can be found using the what3words’ interactive map: ///snail.faster.perfectly
The transition to a low carbon energy system is vital to avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change to the environment, wildlife and humans. The UK’s climate change ambitions are amongst the highest in Europe and require us as a nation to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. More renewable energy generation is needed to meet these targets.
Bransbury Lane Solar Farm would offer an environmentally friendly, low cost and safe way of delivering clean power to the equivalent of more than 7,110 homes.
The solar farm can connect to the existing grid capacity to supply the local network and customers with clean power for local consumption, helping Test Valley Borough Council on its journey to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
This site is particularly important because of its proximity to the SSEN substation to the west of Bransbury Lane.
The distance between a generation site and the substation is important because energy is lost on the way, so the closer the two points are together, the less output is wasted. Proximity is a key differentiator for efficiency.
Solar PV (Solar Photovoltaics) is the generation of electricity using energy from the sun. Modern solar panels produce electricity from daylight and do not require direct sunlight, although more electricity is produced on bright, sunny days.
Essentially the difference is in size of output and number of panels.
A solar array is a collection of multiple solar panels that generate electricity as a system.
A solar farm – also known a photovoltaic (PV) power station amongst the solar energy enthusiasts – is essentially a large collection of PV solar panels that absorb energy from the sun and convert that energy into electricity.
We plan to incorporate co-located battery storage to maximise the efficiency of the project. The intermittency of the weather naturally impacts the generation of the panels. Some days it will generate a lot more than others, and vice versa. Battery storage helps to flatten supply fluctuations and supports the balancing mechanisms for the grid. They support energy resilience.
Battery energy storage sites are designed to operate quietly. Noise surveys are carried out as part of the planning process to ensure any potential impact is properly assessed and mitigated.
We’re confident that this site is located far enough from residential areas that noise will not be noticeable under normal conditions. In rare cases, such as extremely hot days (above 35°C), there may be a slight increase in sound levels, but these instances are expected to be minimal and infrequent.
Our goal is always to be a good neighbour while supporting a cleaner, more reliable energy system.
The site is within Flood Zone 1, which has the lowest risk of flooding.
The land hosting the energy development will remain predominantly as permeable surfacing with the general pattern of surface water drainage anticipated to remain as existing. The drainage strategy will include appropriate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage surface water, with controlled discharge either to ground or watercourse such that there would be no increase in on or off-site flood risk.
The site has been carefully planned to minimise visual impact. From the public footpath and nearby houses to the northeast, visibility is limited due to existing hedgerows and the natural slope of the land.
These features help screen the site from most viewpoints and will be supported by increased planting.
Yes, deer movement has been considered in the site design. Setback areas along the north and south of the solar installation will allow deer to continue moving freely from east to west across the area, helping to preserve local wildlife pathways.
All site access will be from the A303, either via Bransbury Lane to the west or The Street to the east. Construction traffic will not access the site via Crooks & Shears Lane, helping to minimise disruption to local residential areas.
I began my career in the renewable energy sector in August 2017, joining Lightsource BP in their Operations & Maintenance Department, where I gained valuable experience in coordinating cross-functional teams and managing asset performance across a growing solar portfolio. In April 2020, I transitioned into independent contracting, focusing on project management for the construction of renewable energy assets. This experience broadened my understanding of the full project lifecycle and strengthened my leadership in delivering complex infrastructure projects.
In November 2021, I moved into a project development role with a renewable energy developer, marking the beginning of my direct involvement in bringing projects from concept through to execution. Most recently, in November 2023, I joined Private Energy Partners, where I continue to contribute to the growth and implementation of sustainable energy solutions.
We place community engagement and clear, open communication at the heart of every project. From the earliest stages, we actively listen, consult, and collaborate with local residents and stakeholders to ensure our energy developments reflect community needs, build trust, and deliver long-term benefits for people and the places they call home.
We held a drop-in event on Monday 30 June 2025 at Barton Stacey Village Hall. Local residents had the opportunity to meet the team, review the plans, talk to us about the project and give us your input.
Thank you for the feedback, which will help us shape our plans. If you have any further comments please email Greg via bransburylane@private-energypartners.com
If you do not have internet access, write to Greg at the address here and he will arrange to post the information to you: Greg Ward, Private Energy Partners, 1st Floor, Stella Building, Windmill Hill Business Park, SN5 6NX.
Presentation boards from the drop-in event are available to download here and we look forward to continuing the discussion.