Welcome to the Fylde Solar information centre. As work continues on the solar development at Browns Lane in Warton, we hope that this page provides all the information you require about the project, its benefits to the local community and temporary street work disruptions that you may experience.
If you’d like to find out more, or speak to the project team, please email fyldesolar@ampyrde.com.
As part of a multi-million pound initiative to bring cleaner, greener, renewable energy infrastructure to Lancashire, AMPYR Distributed Energy is working with EnerG Renewable Solutions to install 14,000 ground mounted solar panels at Browns Lane in Warton.
The 10MW development, which received planning permission back in 2015, will generate more than 9.5GWh of renewable energy every year, which will be used by the nearby BAE Systems manufacturing and assembly facility to decarbonise its operations.
Set to reduce local carbon emissions by 1,900,000 kg per annum, the project will accelerate momentum towards net zero and set the standards in sustainability.
While every precaution has been taken to minimise the project’s impact on the local community, the next phase – which sees the site directly connected to the electrical network at BAE Systems – requires temporary street works.
Working in close collaboration with Lancashire County Council, we’ve mapped the least disruptive route possible for the high voltage cable. As well as avoiding the traffic lights at the main entrance of BAE Warton to prevent traffic build-up on Lytham Road, we’ve also taken into consideration areas prone to heavy traffic at Hillock Lane and Harbour Lane.
All work is being undertaken in-line with all required codes and regulations, but we appreciate that the street works may temporarily disrupt your commute. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to the local community.
Q – Why is a solar being installed at Browns Lane?
A – The project is part of long-term plans to bring cleaner, greener, renewable energy infrastructure to Lancashire. This will accelerate progress towards net zero and help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Q – How will it help the local community?
A – Once complete, the project will reduce local carbon emissions by 1,900,000 kg per annum, putting the region at the heart of the transition to renewable energy.
Q – Why is a connection to BAE Systems needed?
A – The BAE Systems manufacturing and assembly facility has signed a long-term contract to purchase renewable energy generated by the solar. To ensure maximum efficiency, the site will need to be connected directly to the electrical network at BAE Warton.
Q – What disruptions will the project cause?
A – While work is ongoing to connect the two sites, temporary street works are required. We have worked in close collaboration with Lancashire County Council to minimise disruptions wherever possible.
Q – Where will the underground cable be laid?
A – We’ve uploaded a number of PDF documents, including the cable lay design and full traffic management plans, into the downloads section below.
Q – How will you manage disruption during the street works?
A – The project has been carefully planned to minimise noise, traffic disruptions and environmental impact, with work scheduled during off-peak hours wherever possible.
Q – When will the roadworks be completed?
A – Work will start on Monday 6 January 2025 and is due to be completed in April. Any changes to these timescales will be communicated with the local community as a priority.
Q – How will traffic be managed during the street works?
A – We’re working closely with GL Telecomms to roll-out approved traffic management plans. This includes clear signage, as well as temporary traffic lights.
Q – What measures are being taken to ensure safety on site?
A – All staff are fully trained and certified, adhering to strict health and safety regulations, including National Highways Sector Schemes (NHSS) and HSE guidelines.
Q – What condition will the roads be left in after the street works finish?
A – All affected areas will be restored to their original condition or better, including re-tarmacking and landscaping if necessary.
Q – Who should I contact if I have a complaint about the work?
A – If you have any concerns about the street work, email fyldesolar@ampyrde.com.
During these essential works, we are committed to keeping the local community fully informed about progress, as well as addressing any concerns you may have.
We pledge to maintain strict safety standards throughout the duration of the works, as well as protecting the local environment by ensuring that our activities are conducted responsibly. We also commit to working to the highest standards and ensuring all reinstatement works meet or exceed the required specifications.
This project is a significant step towards embracing a sustainable energy future, and your community is playing a vital role in making this happen.
To give you complete visibility of the street works, you can download the cable lay design and full traffic management plans here.
