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Freeths advises on project to convert landfill site into community owned solar-farm

National law firm Freeths has advised Plymouth Energy Community (PEC) on a collaboration with Plymouth City Council, to develop a new community-owned solar farm.

The project at Chelson Meadow will bring a site the size of 24 football pitches into action as part of the council’s response to the climate emergency.

“To get to net zero Plymouth needs to be making a rapid transition onto renewable power sources, and this project provides one of the few opportunities actually within the city to make a substantial contribution to this ambition,” the law firm said.

With support from the government’s Rural Community Energy Fund, which is administered by the SW Energy Hub, PEC has completed feasibility studies suggesting that the scheme will generate a significant amount of the city’s renewable power.

Freeths said: “This is enough to power 3,860 homes, while also having the potential to deliver an improvement in biodiversity, and provide a huge educational experience for the public to engage in Plymouth’s net zero transition.”

PEC already owns and manages 20% of Plymouth’s renewable power infrastructure.

Alistair Macpherson, Chief Executive of Plymouth Energy Community, said: "We are very excited to be working with Plymouth City Council to bring forward this flagship community renewables project for the City.”

Duncan Tringham, Partner at Freeths in the local government and energy team, said: “We are proud to be working with PEC and Plymouth City Council on such a pioneering and transformative scheme which will play key role in supporting the city’s net zero vision.

“The effective collaboration between PEC and the council is great model for the successful delivery of such important projects.”

Freeths’ Energy, Waste & Sustainability group consists of more than 40 specialist lawyers.

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