OVERVIEW
The Malshanger Solar Farm at Hook Lane, near Basingstoke, Hampshire, is a 30 Megawatt solar development with an operational lifecycle of 40 years. Once operational, the farm will generate enough electricity to power approximately 8,000 local homes. The site is located adjacent to the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, with numerous public rights of way in the surrounding area.
CREATE’S ROLE
Create were appointed in June 2025 by planning agent Starlight Energy to provide transport consultancy services in support of the planning application. Our work focused on the significant logistical challenges posed by the highway network between the strategic road network and the proposed site access.
Our assessment began with a review of Automatic Traffic Count (ATC) data to establish baseline traffic conditions along the main access route from the B3400 Andover Road. We then carried out a detailed assessment of the existing highway network, identifying appropriate locations for new passing places and the formalisation of existing informal passing places not currently recognised in the highway record.
Our roles, technical services and outputs included:
- Automatic Traffic Count (ATC) Data Review and Baseline Assessment
- Highway Network Assessment
- Passing Place Identification and Formalisation Strategy
- Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP)
- Temporary Traffic Management Design
- Construction and Cable Route Documentation
- Highway Safety Assessment
CHALLENGES
The route from the strategic road network to the site access presented a substantial challenge. At approximately 3.5 kilometres in length – a route of approximately 3.5 kilometres characterised by narrow single-lane sections, poor forward visibility, mature tree specimens, tight bends, and accesses to private dwellings and businesses. This made standard construction traffic management approaches unworkable.
Additional temporary traffic management measures were required to facilitate construction traffic safely. Create produced fully tested preliminary traffic management design plans for the proposed access strategy, including one-way working sections and linked stop-and-go points, refining the strategy iteratively in response to the site constraints.
The site’s proximity to the North Wessex Downs National Landscape also meant that the visual and environmental sensitivity of any highway works needed careful consideration throughout.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND BENEFITS
Planning approval for the Malshanger Solar Farm was granted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on Wednesday 11th February 2026. The fully tested traffic management design and comprehensive construction and cable route submissions we produced for planning gave the authority the confidence to approve the scheme. Once constructed the solar farm will generate clean electricity, making a meaningful contribution to the UK’s energy security and decarbonisation goals.
