From First Conversation to Construction: The Journey of Rock Farm Solar

When Duncan first visited Rock Farm in October 2021 to meet with the landowner, the project was little more than an opportunity on paper. As with any renewable energy development, the conversation started with explaining the process, the potential benefits for the landowner and, most importantly, whether the project was technically viable. The first critical milestone was securing grid capacity. Without a viable grid connection, even the most suitable site cannot progress, making this one of the earliest and most important hurdles in any renewable energy project.

Working alongside our client, Anglo Renewables Limited, Howie, Kent & Co was involved in the initial high-level assessment of sites in the vicinity of Ludlow Substation that could accommodate a large-scale solar development. Following the identification of a suitable site and productive discussions with the landowner, the project began to gather momentum. Fast forward to June 2026 and construction is now well underway. Anglo Renewables restructured the project, with Enviromena taking over as lead developer in summer 2025 to fund and progress the scheme from ready-to-build through to construction and operation.

The project comprises a 140-acre, 40MW solar farm connected to the grid via a 33kV connection. Planning permission was secured in September 2023, marking another significant milestone in a development process that has taken several years of careful planning, negotiation and collaboration.

Howie, Kent & Co has remained closely involved throughout the project. Our role included identifying the site, negotiating the commercial terms with the landowner and securing the easement required across neighbouring land to facilitate the grid connection. The successful conclusion of the easement negotiations was particularly important in ensuring the project could proceed without unnecessary delay.

Throughout the development process, Howie, Kent & Co worked closely with James Stone, Managing Director of Anglo Renewables.

“Howie, Kent & Co really helped to push this project forward with sensible commercial advice in agreeing terms with the landowners involved in this project. Especially in simplifying what could have been a relatively complicated easement negotiation,” said James Stone.

Renewable energy developments don’t happen overnight. They rely on strong relationships, careful negotiation and a clear understanding of both the commercial and practical challenges that arise along the way.

“Rock Farm is a good example of what’s possible when a development is built on strong relationships and careful groundwork. Howie, Kent & Co played an important role in getting this project to a position where Enviromena could take it forward, and their work on the commercial and easement negotiations was a key part of that. We’re pleased to see construction well underway and look forward to Rock Farm supplying clean power to the grid.” said Lee Adams, Chief Commercial Officer at Enviromena.

Visiting the site recently and seeing the development emerge from the ground was a proud moment for everyone involved. After almost five years of work, it is incredibly rewarding to see the project progressing towards completion. We look forward to seeing Rock Farm Solar become operational and delivering clean, renewable electricity to the UK grid for many years to come.