Solar 

Toronto Energy Park

Bishop Auckland, County Durham
Key facts
27 MW
Installed capacity
10,000
Homes powered per year (equivalent)
119
Acres of land

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 selection
2
Grid connection
3
Land agreed
4
Planning consent
5
Construction
6
Operational

The project

Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) have sought planning permission 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.

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

Latest updates

The application was submitted to Durham County Council on the 28th of January. You can visit the application on the planning portal through the following link: DM/26/00218/FPA

Site layout

Our site plans are outlined below

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Local responsibility

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

Community benefits

The proposed Community Benefit Package that will deliver a positive impact within the community supporting the reduction of domestic energy bills is the provision of 120 rooftop solar schemes as well as supporting local communities with a £120,000 lump sum payment.

Resources & documents

Further resources

Please click on the relevant document to download:

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DRD is a trading name of Downing Renewables Developments LLP (a private limited liability partnership with registration number OC439748). DRD is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, (“FCA”). As such, clients will not be afforded the protections available under the rules of the FCA and will not be eligible for compensation under the rules of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (“FSCS”).
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