Northumberland Estates is seeking feedback from residents and stakeholders on its proposal to develop a 21-megawatt solar park on a 34-hectare site in Blucher, Newcastle Upon Tyne. The solar park aims to generate enough energy to power 8,795 homes annually, contributing to the UK’s goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Blucher Solar Park, located on land south of Blucher and Walbottle, north of Hospital Lane, will play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, with an estimated annual saving of 4,915 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to removing 2,730 cars from the road. The project also aligns with the UK’s broader climate goals, including a five-fold increase in solar deployment by 2035.
Landscaping plans for the site will replace arable crops with species-rich grassland, supporting invertebrates and seed-producing plants that provide food for farmland birds like yellowhammer, grey partridge, and linnet. Existing hedgerows and scrub will be enhanced with native, flower- and fruit-bearing species to benefit insects, birds, and bats.
The trees on-site and nearby will remain unaffected, and a sensitive lighting plan will minimise impacts on protected species such as bats and badgers. Any effects on New Burn will be avoided, with potential improvements to the channel and surrounding vegetation.
Barry Spall, Development Planner at Northumberland Estates, said: “Our aim is to contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon future by developing and managing renewable energy assets. In addition to producing low-carbon energy, the project will also deliver a range of economic and community benefits and supports Newcastle City Council's target to become a carbon-neutral city by 2030.”
The proposed development will create the following benefits:
Environmental and Energy Impact:
- Generate enough energy to power 8,795 homes annually, equivalent to 7% of homes in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne area.
- Save 4,915 tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to removing 2,730 cars from the road.
- Contribute to the Government’s goal of a five-fold increase in solar energy by 2035.
- Help meet the UK's renewable energy targets and support the transition to a low-carbon future.
- Generate 21 MW of energy for export to the national grid, doubling solar generation capacity in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
- Based on current landscaping plans the site could provide significant levels of biodiversity net gain, including an uplift of 88% in habitat units and 155% in hedgerow units.
Economic and Job Creation:
- Create 65 direct construction jobs during peak construction and 2 permanent operational jobs.
- Deliver around £5.9m of Gross Value Added (GVA) economic output throughout the peak of the construction period.
Community and Infrastructure Benefits:
- Include upgrades to the public footpath network in the area.
- Landscaping will enhance existing hedgerows using native scrub, and additional native hedgerows, tree planting, and species-rich grassland will be included.
Rigorous assessments have confirmed the suitability of the site for solar development. The project is planned to operate for 40 years, after which the land will be restored to agricultural use.
Public Consultation:
Northumberland Estates will hold a public consultation to present the plans and gather feedback from local residents. The consultation will take place on:
Thursday, 27 March 2025
14:00 – 20:00
Blucher Social Club, Stephenson Terrace, Blucher, NE15 9SN
Further details about the project and consultation can be found on the official project website: www.bluchersolarpark.co.uk
