Project Status
Construction phase
Solar capacity
49.9 megawatt (MW)
Operational period
Up to 35 years
Energy generation
Powering around 14,385 homes
Community Benefit
Community Benefit Fund set up to promote sustainable development in the local community.
About the Project
Voltalia UK Ltd (‘Voltalia’) is currently constructing Bockingfold Solar Farm which is a 49.9MW solar energy development located to the west of Maidstone Road and approximately 520m south-west of Claygate in Kent.
Introducing Bockingfold Solar Farm
Bockingfold Solar Farm was granted planning permission in December 2022 by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (application reference. 22/02773/FULL). Documents submitted for the planning application can be viewed on the Tunbridge Wells Planning Register
Constructing Bockingfold Solar Farm
Construction and commissioning of the project is expected to begin in April 2024 and last for around 18 months and during this time, you may see the construction team undertaking activities across the site and increased traffic movements to and from the site, which is accessed via Maidstone Road (B2162).
There may also be temporary increases in noise whilst we use machinery to construct and install the posts for the frame which the solar panels will be attached to. We endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum but if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at bockingfold@voltalia.com.
FAQs
Enabling works are due to begin in March 2024, with construction due to start in April and last around 18 months. An indicative timeline is provided below.
Key activities when constructing a solar farm include:
- Preparation of the site, including temporary construction compound, welfare facilities and the establishment of access tracks and fencing
- Installation of structures which support the solar panels
- Fixing the solar panels on to the structures
- Installation of electrical cabling and equipment to connect the different components of the solar farm
- Construction of the substation and electrical components to enable a connection between the solar farm and the grid
- Final electrical checks and commissioning of the solar farm
Construction working hours are restricted to between 08:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 – 13:00 on Saturday.
No work will be carried out in darkness and therefore working hours will slightly differ during winter months.
From Monday to Friday, a period of one hour before and after construction working hours is allocated for start-up and closedown activities, including workers arriving and departing site. No construction work generating noise will take place during this one hour period.
We always aim to manage noise levels and keep disruption to a minimum. However, there is likely to be some noise generated on-site by particular activities, including installing the frame which supports the solar panels, as this involves piling part of the structure into the ground. This is expected to be completed over Summer 2024.
The site has designated construction traffic routes and will operate separate inbound and outbound construction traffic routes. Appropriate signage will be established along these routes.
Construction traffic will be accessing the site via the A21 – Maidstone Road (B2160) – Gedges Hill (B2160) – Maidstone Road (B2160) – Mascalls Court Road – Mile Oak Road – Pearsons Green Road – Churn Lane – Maidstone Road (B2162).
Construction traffic will be exiting the site via Maidstone Road (B2162) – Lamberhurst Road (B2162) – A262 – A21.
Workers will be travelling to and from site which will generate traffic movement, although car sharing will be encouraged where possible. Parking is available on-site for all workers.
HGV movements will be limited to deliveries of equipment and material which will occur at various times during construction. This will include:
- Construction compound, welfare equipment and aggregate for access tracks at the start of construction (Spring 2024)
- Solar panels and supporting structures (Summer 2024)
- Substation equipment (Spring/Summer 2025)
- Removal of temporary structures and equipment (Summer 2025)
There will be temporary traffic management on Maidstone Road (B2162) for a short period in March/April 2024 whilst we establish the entrance to the site. All other works are based on-site.
A qualified banksman located at the site entrance on Maidstone Road (B2162) will manage HGVs accessing and exiting the site.
We will be providing updates periodically throughout construction, via this website or through direct communications with the community. If you would like to receive project updates, or opt out, please contact us directly via bockingfold@voltalia.com.
A Community Liaison Group (CLG), formed of local representatives was established at the start of construction and meets on a monthly basis. During this meeting, we provide construction updates and answer any queries. The CLG is a point of contact for the local community.
Please contact us via the bockingfold@voltalia.com email address.
Operating Bockingfold Solar Farm
The project will operate for up to 35 years. During this time, ongoing maintenance will take place including technician visits to site to check and monitor equipment.
Project timeline
We will be posting further updates here as the project progresses. If you’d like to receive regular updates, please contact us via bockingfold@voltalia.com.
Community benefits
As a renewable energy developer and provider, we want each of our projects to not only help improve the global environment by reducing carbon emissions but also help to improve the local environment.
We are committed to providing environmental, social and economic benefits to the communities where our projects are based and encourage communities to engage with us on their needs and aspirations.
Community Benefit Fund
Working with Local Suppliers
Enhancing habitat for species
Educational visits to local schools and the project
We would love to hear from local residents, groups and businesses on how the project could benefit you. If you have any ideas or opportunities, please let us know by emailing bockingfold@voltalia.com.
Community Benefit Fund
If you’re a community group or voluntary organisation local to Bockingfold Solar Farm, you can apply for funding as part of our Community Benefit Fund. The online fund page can be accessed here.
Please note, the fund is now closed for applications and will reopen once the project becomes operational.
We encourage applications from projects which:
- Protect and/or enhance the local natural environment, in a sustainable way
- Address climate change through long-term initiatives such as increasing biodiversity, energy efficiency or enhancing natural spaces
- Promote environmentally sustainable community facilities, activities and green spaces
- Promote local skills, education and employment in the environmental and sustainability sector
How to apply
1
Visit our fund page on BizGive
2
Complete application form and submit
3
A panel will review your application and decide whether to grant funding
4
Receive funding and make a difference to your local community
Please contact support@bizgiveworld.com if you require support with your application.
Contact us
If you have any questions, or would like to know more about the project, please contact us via bockingfold@voltalia.com
You can also submit feedback or your questions on the project through our engagement platform which can be accessed by clicking on, or scanning the QR code below.
About Voltalia
Voltalia is an international energy and service provider in the renewable energy market operating across three continents and in over 20 countries. Since Voltalia was founded in 2005, it has grown to be a world leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) developing, constructing and operating wind, solar, hydro, biomass and storage projects.
Find out more at www.voltalia.com
2.37GW of projects in operation globally
16.6GW of projects in the pipeline
Over 1850 employees worldwide
As a mission-driven company*, Voltalia is fully committed to its purpose to improve the global environment whilst fostering local development. All of our sites will contribute towards addressing national and local electricity needs by generating an affordable and renewable source of clean energy.
* Voltalia became a Mission-driven Company in May 2021. The company has registered in its by-laws a purpose and environmental and social objectives. Find out more on the Voltalia website.
