The Proposed Development

Find out more about Qualitas Energy’s proposals for a proposed solar farm, located on land north and South of Cecil Road, South Mimms, Potters Bar EN6 3NT.

The proposed Mymms Solar Farm would comprise a 60MW solar photovoltaic (PV) development alongside associated infrastructure required to generate and export renewable electricity to the national grid. The development is being designed to balance clean energy generation with the continued long-term management of the surrounding countryside.

Key elements of the proposed development are anticipated to include:

Solar Arrays

The solar arrays would consist of fixed-tilt PV panels mounted on metal framework structures designed to maximise solar generation efficiency while remaining relatively low-profile within the landscape.

Indicative specifications include:

  • Panels angled at approximately 20–25 degrees

  • Rows typically spaced around 3.5–4.5 metres apart

  • Panels positioned at approximately 0.8m at the lowest edge and up to around 3m at the highest point

  • Mounting structures supported by pile-driven posts installed approximately 1.5m into the ground

  • No extensive concrete foundations required

  • Framework likely constructed from galvanised steel or aluminium

Electrical Infrastructure

The site would include associated infrastructure required to convert and export electricity generated by the solar farm.

This is currently expected to include:

  • All cabling installed underground

  • A new on-site customer substation and 132kV tee-off connection compound

  • Decision on inverter/transformer technology choice to be informed by noise impact assessment work

The indicative substation compound is anticipated to measure approximately:

  • 70m x 40m

Indicative Grid Connection

The current indicative grid connection would connect into the existing 132kV electricity network between Brimsdown Grid Supply Point and Elstree Grid Supply Point.

At this stage, the connection is expected to:

  • Connect via a new tee connection at Tower 64

  • Be located approximately 2.4km from the main site

  • Be installed underground for the majority of the route

  • Include crossings beneath the A1 and M25 using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) techniques to minimise disruption

Security and Operational Infrastructure

The development would also include operational and security infrastructure necessary for the safe operation of the site.

This is anticipated to include:

  • Security fencing up to approximately 2.4m high

  • Access gates at key points around the site

  • Perimeter CCTV cameras mounted on poles

  • Internal access tracks for construction and maintenance vehicles

Indicative Access Arrangements

Potential access arrangements are still being explored as part of the design process. At this stage, an indicative primary access point is proposed from Cecil Road.

Internal access roads across the site would likely:

  • Be constructed early within the build programme

  • Use compacted crushed stone surfacing

  • Provide access for construction and maintenance vehicles

Construction Overview

Construction of the proposed development is currently anticipated to take between 15 - 18 months.

Indicative construction details include:

  • Peak workforce of approximately 60–70 workers on-site

  • A temporary construction compound located toward the south of the site

  • Construction hours of:

    • Monday–Friday: 08:00–18:00

    • Saturday: 08:00–13:30

  • No routine construction on Sundays or Bank Holidays

  • Wheel washing and traffic management measures incorporated into the construction process

In terms of vehicle movements, the average number of HGVs per day during construction is expected to be no more than 20 trips per day (10 in and 10 out). The peak construction traffic volume during construction will be no more than 30 trips per day. Workplace travel planning is expected to reduce staff car trips, a total of approximately 40 in and 40 out.

Access

Four access points are currently being explored. The final access arrangement will be confirmed following an assessment of the potential impacts associated with each option, with selection based on identifying the location best able to accommodate construction vehicles while appropriately managing environmental and local impacts.

  • Access 1: Cecil Road South;

  • Access 2: Cecil Road North;

  • Access 3: Swanland Road (more likely to be an operational access, pending further assessment); and

  • Access 4: Blackhorse Lane (more likely an operational access, pending further assessment).

For construction access into fields 1-4, a temporary bridge crossing over the Catherine Brook is being explored. Following construction, the temporary bridge would be removed.

The Mymms Solar Farm would further deliver the following benefits:

  • Supporting the local economy: We are committed to employing local suppliers and contractors throughout construction and long-term operation, creating jobs and delivering tangible benefits for the local economy.

  • Powering local homes: The solar farm will generate enough renewable electricity to supply the equivalent of approximately 30,000 homes, around three times the number of households in Potters Bar.

  • Energy security: Projects like The Mymms Solar Farm reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, protecting consumers from global price shocks, such as those experienced following the start of the war in Ukraine and Iran.

  • Sustainable land use: This would be a temporary development, allowing the soil to rest and naturally replenish during its operational period. After 40 years, the infrastructure will be removed, and agricultural use reinstated. If granted consent, decommissioning of the site is guaranteed as part of the planning condition.

  • Supporting local climate goals: Hertsmere Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions no later than 2050. This project will help Hertsmere Borough Council reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with national and local climate targets.

  • Enhancing biodiversity: The project will deliver meaningful benefits for wildlife through new tree and hedgerow planting, and by creating habitats for important local species. These initiatives will form wildlife corridors, reconnecting fragmented woodland areas and restoring the landscape character lost to years of intensive farming.

  • Long-term land stewardship: These proposals reflect Gascoyne Estates commitment to responsible land management that goes beyond today's improvements to ensure a healthier, more resilient landscape for future generations.

The right location

The site has been identified through detailed feasibility work by Gascoyne Estates and Qualitas Energy as a potentially suitable location for renewable energy development, balancing the need for clean electricity generation with the characteristics of the local landscape, environment and surrounding communities.

The proposals have evolved through technical and environmental assessment, with a strong emphasis on landscape-led design, heritage considerations, existing vegetation and minimising visual impact.

The project would contribute towards meeting growing electricity demand across Hertsmere and the wider region at a time of increasing pressure on national energy infrastructure. By generating clean, homegrown electricity, The Mymms Solar Farm would also help strengthen domestic energy security, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and support the UK’s transition towards a more secure and sustainable energy system.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Plan

Download early indication of site arrangement here, noting the likely extent of panels will reduce.