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Alliance against mega solar farms in Norfolk
CPRE Norfolk is extremely concerned about the number of very large-scale solar farms which are being planned in the county.
This is due primarily to the fact that their construction would result in the industrialisation of large areas of attractive, tranquil countryside with solar panels, security fences, CCTV cameras, access tracks and substations covering huge numbers of fields and meadows.
Tracker solar panels can reach up to 4.5m in height (almost as tall as a double storey house). Their visual impact, including on users of public rights of way, would be enormous.
The loss of good quality agricultural arable land is also a major concern.
We are strongly of the opinion that climate change needs to be addressed and that reaching Net Zero is an essential goal, not least through mandatory solar on suitable roof-spaces of new domestic and commercial properties.
CPRE commissioned research by UCL which proves that this is a viable option.
Given the wide extent of three recently announced solar farms, which will go through the NSIP (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project) process, rather than through the more familiar planning process at LPA (Local Planning Authority) level, CPRE Norfolk is forming an Alliance of like-minded Councils and others to provide support in opposition to these proposed projects.
The three recently announced projects are:
| High Grove Solar Farm | East Pye Solar Farm | The Droves Solar Farm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer - Company | RWE | Island Green Power | Island Green Power |
| Approx. area of proposal | Beachamwell – Swaffham – Dereham – Saham Toney | Hempnall – Long Stratton – Great Moulton | Castle Acre - Swaffham |
| Area (Hectares) | 1,619 Hectares | 1,100 Hectares | 1,130 Hectares |
| Period of operation (initial) | 40 years | 60 years | 60 years |
| Power to be generated | 720 MW | 500 MW | 500 MW |
| Approx. number of households which could be supplied | 363,000 | 115,000 | |
| Non-statutory consultation period | To 18th October 2024 | October – December 2024 | September 2024 through workshops |
| First statutory consultation period | Early 2025 | Summer 2025 | Spring 2025 |
If approved, High Grove will become the largest solar farm in the country by a factor of some 15 times the size of the current largest, with the other two proposed not far behind. We feel it would also be likely that, if approved, unfortunately these areas could become the focus for other developments in the future.
Why you should join our Alliance
Membership of the Alliance is open to parish councils, action groups, other interested organisations and individuals.
We will provide guidance to Alliance members on how to navigate the NSIP process, and will highlight areas which will hopefully strengthen any objections.
If you would like to join this Alliance, please email planning@cprenorfolk.org.uk
Want to help CPRE Norfolk with this campaign?
There are lots of ways you can get involved.
- Contact your own Parish Council and urge them to join our Alliance.
- Join our Alliance as an individual.
- Sign CPRE’s rooftop renewables petition calling on the government to ensure all suitable new buildings have rooftop solar.
- Sign the 38Degrees petition calling for compulsory solar panels on all new developments.
- Spread the word with your friends and on social media
- Volunteer with CPRE Norfolk
- Make a donation to support our campaigns
- Become a CPRE Norfolk member
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