Beechtree Junction Solar Farm

Latest updates

1. 12 May 26

   Planning Application Update May 2026

   Thank you for your continued interest in Beechtree Junction Solar Farm.

   A number of minor amendments have been made to the design of the proposed  Development in response to comments received to date and additional assessments undertaken. These changes are set out in more detail in the document entitled Applicant Response to Consultee Comments, along with a list of new and amended plans, drawings and reports, but in summary include:

   • The bellmouth of Access 6 onto Potterscrouch Lane (the widened junction area) has been relocated approximately 3 metres to the east to avoid incursion into the Root Protection Area of a group of nearby trees.
   • The previously proposed off-site area for skylark habitat has been removed. Further assessment has confirmed that enough suitable habitat for skylarks can be provided within the application site itself, meaning the additional off-site land is no longer required. The application site is the area outlined by the red line boundary on the plans.
   • The specification of the perimeter fencing and gates has been amended from deer fencing to security-compliant fencing and gates in consultation with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

   A summary document of the amendments to the Development that have been made and how the issues raised by consultees have been addressed can be found here – Summary of Changes

   The Council will now be undertaking a round of consultation on the amended plans ahead of making a decision on the application. Any comments from members of the public on the revised proposals should be directed to the Council for their consideration using the below link.

   Planning Portal

   Comments can still be directed to the project team by using the contact form at the bottom of the dedicated project page.

2. 12 Jan 26

   Ongoing Consultation

   We are currently working through all comments received and will be looking to submit amended documents. The Councils Planning Officers have advised that these amended documents should be submitted as a single, consolidated package. We have agreed with the planning officers to submit the full set of amended documents in Late April 2026, with the intention that the Council determines the planning application in May/June 2026.

   In the meantime, we are continuing to work closely with the relevant consultees to address matters relating to aviation, heritage, transport, and arboriculture, with the aim of reaching a positive and agreed outcome across all technical areas.

3. 21 Jul 25

   Planning Application Validated

   Our planning application for the Beechtree Junction Solar Farm has been submitted to and validated by St Albans City and District Council. Any representations or comments on the application from interested parties should be submitted directly to the council using the online form under the ‘Comments’ section on the application or via email to planningcomments@stalbans.gov.uk quoting the application reference number 5/2025/1132.

   Link to Application

   Please Note: 21 days is the minimum statutory period, and the Council will continue to receive representations up until the determination of the application. Exagen support this approach taken by St Albans District Council.

4. 8 May 25

   Project Non EIA

   St Albans City and District Council provided their EIA Screening Opinion following our request which confirms that the development is not considered EIA development and the planning application does not require an Environmental Statement be submitted as part of the planning application. This confirms that the development is not likely to have significant effects on the environment.

5. 24 Apr 25

   Post Consultation

   Following our public consultation events, we are collating all feedback and responses.

   We will ensure to keep the community informed as we make progress and update our plans ahead of a planning submission.

6. 23 Apr 25

   Webinar Presentation hosted on Go-To

   Online webinar hosted by our project team hosted on Go-To.

   6:30pm Wednesday, 23 April.

   Please register using the link here: bit.ly/beechtree-webinar

   A recording of the webinar will be uploaded to this website following the event.

   →

7. 22 Apr 25

   Drop-in Session - St Albans United Reform Church

   We are hosting a drop in event hosted by our project team at St Albans United Reform Church to present the project and answer any questions.

   The event will run from 15:00 until 20:00

   St Albans United Reform Church, 149 Watford Rd, AL2 3HG

8. 8 Apr 25

   Brochure Send to Local Properties

   Public consultation brochures containing information on the project design, process and consultation approach were sent to approximately 870 properties in the surrounding area.

   The online version of the public consultation brochure can be downloaded below.

9. 7 Apr 25

   Initial Door-knocks for Local Properties

   The Exagen project team attended the site to door-knock the most immediate local properties to discuss the project.