Solar farm
on land near Wetmore Hall, Burton on Trent
Voltis is proposing a solar farm capable of producing 25MW of green energy, enough to power the estimated equivalent of 10,900 typical homes per year. Based on current UK grid emissions factors, this is equivalent to avoiding approximately 7,450 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, or roughly the emissions of 4,000 average UK cars being taken off the roads each year.
Purpose of Consultation
You can view our proposals here on our project website and then have your say by completing our online feedback form.
You can also attend our in-person public information event at:
Saint Pauls Church Hall,
Burton on Trent,
DE14 2FX,
on Tuesday 2nd December, between 3pm and 7pm.
The project team will be available to explain the plans and answer your questions.
The deadline for feedback is Tuesday, 9th December.
All of the feedback we receive during the consultation period will help to inform the planning application we submit to East Staffordshire Borough Council.
Contact us
In the meantime, if you have any further questions then please feel free to get in contact with the engagement team
Contact: Cavendish
Email: midlands@consultation-online.co.uk
Tel: 0800 066 8942
Closing date for feedback – Tuesday, 9th December 2025, 5pm
About Voltis
Voltis formed in 2019 when our founders came together to embark on an ambitious joint venture, securing some of the largest grid connections in the UK.
Our outstanding team is dedicated to improving how we generate energy, ensuring that truly sustainable and renewable energy is provided to protect our environment and generations to come.
We are determined to make a positive impact on the environment and on the communities in which we operate. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve our projects and to make them more efficient and sustainable. Our portfolio of renewable energy projects spans the UK. Our projects are designed to generate maximum energy output while minimising impact on the environment and local communities and maximising Biodiversity Net Gain.
We are committed to promoting sustainable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Our goal is to make clean energy accessible and affordable for everyone.
Our Proposals
The site is located on land near Wetmore Hall in Burton on Trent. This is a historically industrial area, near to Claymills sewage works.
The site has been chosen following a robust site selection process. While the site is currently open in places, our proposals include new planting and carefully designed screening to reduce views from nearby homes and public routes. The location also allows us to deliver substantial biodiversity improvements, including new habitats and enhanced green corridors. Once operational, the solar development will operate quietly, without emitting odours, pollution or causing traffic disruption.
Significant biodiversity benefits
- We are creating over 5 hectares of new habitats, including areas designed to support local bird species and strengthen overall biodiversity.
- New planting and hedging will significantly improve the biodiversity of the site, as well as providing increased screening.
- The land earmarked for development has an Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) of 4. This means that it is considered poor quality agricultural land, with severe limitations that significantly restrict its usage. We have avoided using the most productive agricultural land.
- The proposed solar farm will be capable of producing up to 25MW of energy.
- Since the proposed land is a floodplain for the nearby River Trent, we have taken considerable measures to mitigate any potential risks of flooding. We have been working directly with the Environment Agency for the last two years to model and assess our proposal to ensure that not only is there no negative impact on third parties, but the compensation provided will improve the floodplain storage compared to existing conditions.
- In addition to this, we have already submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment screening report (EIA) and a flood report to East Staffordshire Borough Council. This includes information about the project, its location and its environmental impact, in order to provide reassurance for the scope of development.
Access and Construction
Proposed construction access routes have been chosen to avoid the main residential areas.
The construction will take approximately nine months.
The proposed route to the site is via Derby Road and Meadow Lane, using major road networks as far as possible.
We will be submitting a Construction Transport Management Plan which will need to be approved by the council before any works can begin. This will set details such as delivery and working hours, construction traffic routes and any other mitigation measures – such as wheel washing to avoid mud on the roads.
Once the solar development is operational, it requires very little on-site activity. We would expect 1-2 visits a week by a person in a car or van for maintenance and security.
At the end of its life, the facility will be decommissioned, and the area can be returned to its original condition. Requirements for decommissioning – such as reinstating the land – are set out in contracts with landowners and in planning approvals.
Temporary and fully reversible
Any planning permission will be temporary, and the facility will be decommissioned at the end of its life, with all hardware removed.
At the end of the planning permission, the site will remain classified as agricultural greenfield land. It will not become a brownfield site.
Solar Explained
- Clean energy is essential for a sustainable future, representing a transformative shift from traditional fossil fuels to environmentally friendly alternatives. Harnessing renewable sources such as solar not only helps to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change but also fosters a resilient and sustainable energy supply. Voltis is bringing forward proposals to shape and influence the future of the renewable landscape in East Staffordshire.
- The Wetmore Hall Solar Farm Project is part of a national shift towards affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. Solar projects like this offer tangible economic and environmental benefits for local residents, and Voltis are taking considerable efforts to mitigate and minimise any disruption to the surrounding community.
- The increased requirement for solar power cannot be achieved through rooftop and brownfield sites alone. Therefore, ground-mounted solar projects are required, which can often result in long-term biodiversity improvements and wildlife habitat creation.
- Current ground-mounted solar farms take up less than 0.1% of the UK land area. Current predictions are that 0.3% of land utilised for solar would meet the Government’s climate targets. Currently, more land is taken up by golf courses than solar developments across the UK.
Benefits of repurposing this land for solar production include:
Producing clean energy for a sustainable future: Wetmore Hall Solar Farm will represent a significant step towards cleaner and more sustainable energy, reducing the carbon footprint of energy production and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources to combat climate change. Solar is now the cheapest form of renewable energy generation. Over time, solar provides cost savings and protection against the price volatility of imported fossil fuels.
Contributing to East Staffordshire’s climate ambitions: East Staffordshire Borough Council has set a target to achieve neutrality from its own activities by 2040, and to help the wider borough reach net zero emissions by 2050. A new solar farm at Wetmore Hall will contribute to attaining these targets, demonstrating that East Staffordshire Borough Council is actively working towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Achieving energy security: While the UK has been progressing towards decarbonisation and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, our energy system is still reliant on expensive foreign gas imports for electricity and heating. Wetmore Hall Solar Farm will contribute to boosting the UK’s energy independence, helping to tackle the volatility of energy prices and supporting the transition from fossil fuels.
Supporting a progressive vision for Burton on Trent: Voltis will conduct thorough environmental impact assessments, engage with local communities, and address concerns related to the conversion and diversification of land for the solar energy project. The choice of land will align with broader sustainability goals, accounting for ecological, economic and social considerations.
Benefits and Next Steps
Helping deliver enough green energy to power the estimated equivalent of 10,900 homes – supporting East Staffordshire’s move towards Net Zero
Promoting energy security for the UK
Contributing to East Staffordshire Borough Council’s climate commitments and decarbonising the local energy supply
Building a sustainable future through clean energy
Delivering a net gain in biodiversity
Supporting local employment through job creation during the construction of the project
Timescales
- Consultation / plans development – Winter 2025
- Application submission – Winter 2025 / Spring 2026
- Decision on planning permission – Late 2026
- Start on site – 2027
- Solar becomes operational – 2027 / 2028
Have your say
Thank you for taking the time to view our proposals, we hope that you found these consultation materials informative. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share your views by completing a feedback form.
If you would like any more information or have any questions, please contact us via the following channels:
Call: 0800 066 8943
Email: midlands@consultation-online.co.uk
Closing date for feedback – Tuesday, 9th December 2025, 5pm