Proposed new solar farm north of M4 Reading Eastbound Service Area, Burghfield, under consideration

A screening opinion request has been put forward to West Berkshire Council for a proposed new solar farm.

Moto Hospitality Ltd is proposing to build a solar farm with associated infrastructure on land north of the Moto Reading Eastbound Motorway Service Area between Junctions 11 and 12, M4 eastbound, Burghfield.

The existing land is currently undeveloped, consisting of grassland, dense scrub and tree screening along the edge of the Reading Eastbound MSA.

Moto says the proposed development is crucial for the ongoing functionality of the Reading Eastbound MSA.

It said: “Electric vehicles will play a big part in the transition to zero emission transport, but to achieve these targets, it is imperative that suitable infrastructure is provided to support electric vehicles.”

It added the proposed development forms part of its wider strategy to establish solar farms on land adjacent to its MSAs to power its EV charging stations.

The service station provider says it is confident an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required for the proposal.

However, it is still requesting a formal screening op from the local planning authority to confirm an EIA is not required.

West Berkshire Council is expected to announce its decision by Tuesday, October 3.