Commission recommends approval of 3 MW Bluntsbridge solar project; owners say revenue will keep family farm intact

The Planning Commission voted to find the Bluntsbridge Solar conditional-use permit (CUP2025-0023) substantially in accordance with Hanover County’s comprehensive plan and to recommend approval of the CUP as submitted. The project is a proposed 3-megawatt distributed solar facility sited on approximately 26 acres of a ~101-acre parcel north of Ashland.

Esther Coleman, development manager for Hexagon Energy, said the design prioritized view-shed mitigation and environmental measures: a guaranteed 150-foot-wide planted buffer in many areas, use of native and pollinator-friendly groundcover under panels, anti-reflective panel coatings, and a decommissioning bond. The applicant also agreed to a one-time payment to the county of $26,070 per megawatt (about $78,210 total) to be paid before site-plan approval; staff noted the overall economic-impact materials estimate exceeded $500,000 over the project lifetime when tax effects and voluntary payments are included.

Landowners Vincent and Diane Harris told the commission the project was a tool to keep the family farm intact amid rising property taxes and development pressure. Several residents supported the project for preserving agricultural ownership and adding modest local tax revenue, while other neighbors sought clarification about potential tree thinning, proximity of panels to rear properties and stormwater/runoff protections. The applicant said stormwater ponds were sized independently of the existing tree mass and would meet state and county standards; a third-party engineer will inspect construction and a decommissioning bond will be posted. The commission approved both the "substantial accord" motion and the CUP recommendation; the matter now proceeds to the Board of Supervisors.