County Leader Expresses Concern Over Fifth Solar Farm Proposal in Norfolk

Plans for a substantial solar farm, which marks the fifth such proposal in Norfolk in recent weeks, have been characterized as “deeply worrying” by the leader of the county council. This project, put forward by Noventum Power, is slated for potential construction near Long Stratton, an area of the county that had previously been identified as a site for the United Kingdom’s largest solar farm. Kay Mason Billig, a Conservative, stated, “I see this sudden gold rush to sign up acres of land as a precursor to the expected planning permission for the new pylons, it is a perverse and back-to-front policy.” When questioned about solar farms during an interview on BBC Radio Norfolk on Friday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked that the transition to renewable energy necessitates “difficult decisions” and that communities situated near significant planning developments ought to receive direct benefits, such as reduced energy bills. Solar farms represent one type of renewable energy initiative impacting Norfolk as the government pursues its net-zero target by the close of the decade. A proposed 114 mile-long (184km) line of pylons is intended to traverse the Long Stratton area, connecting Norwich and Tilbury, Essex. Given their scale, the authority to decide on all major projects lies with energy secretary Ed Miliband, rather than local councils. Ms Mason Billig reiterated her assertion that Labour was “running roughshod” over local opinion, a claim that Mr. Starmer refuted, stating that “it was very important for communities to have their say.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that Noventum Power’s proposed scheme is projected to generate 460 MW, though additional specifics remain undisclosed at this time. The energy firm is currently engaged in consultations with landowners prior to lodging a formal planning application. The largest solar farm planned for the region, and the biggest currently in development across the UK, is situated in Gissing, near Long Stratton, with a capacity of 900 megawatts (MW). The LDRS has estimated that this project could span approximately 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares). Furthermore, proposals exist for East Pye, encompassing an area of 2,700 acres (1,093 hectares) in the vicinity of several villages near Long Stratton. Two additional developments have been put forward in more distant locations: High Grove, a 4,000-acre (1,619 hectares) project near Dereham and Swaffham, and the Droves, covering 2,800 acres (1,133 hectares) on an adjacent parcel of land. In response to the most recent proposal, Ms Mason Billig further commented, “There is no common sense being applied, no thought for the long-term repercussions, no thought for the impact this will have on local people, their wellbeing, the environmental damage, or their losses due to this blight. We should not be bounced into an unacceptable and unmitigable situation. It must be stopped.” For updates on Norfolk news, information is available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Further details on our external linking policy are accessible.