Toronto Energy Park

Bishop Auckland, County Durham

Project timeline

1
Site feasibility studies
2
Grid and land rights secured
3
Planning application submitted
4
Planning consent granted
5
Construction
6
Operational
1
Site feasibility studies
2
Grid and land rights secured
3
Planning application submitted
4
Planning consent granted
5
Construction
6
Operational
1
Site feasibility studies.
2
Grid and land rights secured.
3
Planning application submitted.
4
Planning consent granted.
5
Construction.
6
Operational.
1
Site feasibility studies
2
Grid and land rights secured
3
Planning application submitted
4
Planning consent granted
5
Construction
6
Operational
1
Site feasibility studies
2
Grid and land rights secured
3
Planning application submitted
4
Planning consent granted
5
Construction
6
Operational
1
Site feasibility studies
2
Grid and land rights secured
3
Planning application submitted
4
Planning consent granted
5
Construction
6
Operational
1
Site selection
2
Grid connection
3
Land agreed
4
Planning consent
5
Construction
6
Operational
Key facts
27 MW
Installed capacity
10,000
Homes powered per year (equivalent)
119
Acres of land

Our proposal

Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) are seeking to develop Toronto Energy Park a renewable energy project comprising of ground mounted solar photovoltaics (PV) in County Durham. Located on land to the South of Addison Road near Toronto, Bishop Auckland, the project will produce enough energy to power over 10,000 UK homes annually.

DRD are currently completing a campaign of surveys and assessments on the land to progress the design of the project. The project's design will be further informed by the feedback received during our consultation period.

The first community consultation event will be held in Escomb Village Hall on Thursday 2 October between 3.30pm and 7.30pm. DRD would like to invite you to come and share your feedback on the proposals and ask any questions directly to the team working on the project.

You can directly contact the project team by emailing torontoenergy@downing.co.uk

Site layout

Our site plans are outlined below
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Creating a sustainable future

As well as being renewable and low carbon, solar power is one of the cheapest forms of energy for the UK. A fivefold increase in installed solar capacity is needed by 2050 according to the Government’s Energy Security Strategy (2022) and projects such as Toronto Energy Park will help the UK accelerate the transition to Net Zero.

We have a long-term vision for Toronto Energy Park which helps to address the UK’s energy security, provides a substantial biodiversity net gain and supports farmers, local agriculture and the local community.

Forming a strong relationship with the community that we serve is important to us and we are continually exploring ways we can better support local initiatives. We value your feedback and try to reflect it in the way the project is designed, like the inclusion of permissive pathways and the retention and creation of wildlife habitats. If you do have any thoughts on how we can improve our proposals, please do get in touch here.

Our commitments

Downing not only develop but also deliver, own and operate renewable assets across the UK. Every project is carefully evaluated to understand how it will naturally integrate with local habitats, plants, animals and people. DRD's intention is to develop a long-term plan that will deliver biodiversity enhancements above the mandatory 10% level.

Biodiversity

We have the option of providing log piles and bird and bat boxes, supporting a wide range of wildlife, including insects, moss, fungi, small mammals, small birds and bats.

Ecology

Bees, butterflies and other pollinators will be provided with food sources from the planting of wildflowers. We will also install bee hotels within the site boundary, supporting pollination.

Community

We will communicate and work with local communities throughout the development process as this is the most important aspect of our projects.

Community benefits

DRD are committed to making a positive contribution in your local community through a tailored community benefit package. Any feedback you have on how DRD could partner with the community, local community groups or how providing funding in the community would be beneficial is well received.

Domestic solar installations

At least two free domestic rooftop solar installations per year for residents in each Parish Council (up to a value of £5,000 per installation).

Helping those in need

Initial installations will be offered to households with the greatest need (e.g., those in receipt of winter fuel allowances).

Supporting community project

Upon construction commencement, a one-off financial donation to the local Parish Council(s) will be made to support community projects and initiatives.

Latest updates

Contact us

Case studies and related news

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We are currently undertaking initial design, site surveys and planning works in this location. Further information will be provided as the initial phases of the project develops.
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