One of UK's largest ever proposed solar farms moves forwards
Details of the East Pye Solar Farm are now being looked over by officials- before the final decision is made by Ministers
Villagers facing the prospect of one of Britain’s largest ever solar farms being built on their doorstep are being urged to make their voices heard, as the controversial scheme moves closer to approval.
The East Pye Solar Farm has now entered the examination phase of the planning process, prompting locals in the Norfolk villages it would affect to step up their opposition.
The plans, put forward by developer Island Green Power, would cover 2,718 acres of countryside/ 1540 football pitches – almost all of it farmland – close to the villages of Hempnall, Saxlingham, Shotesham, Brooke, Woodton and Great Moulton.
With a planned capacity of up to 500MW, enough to power approximately 115,000 homes a year, it would rank among the largest solar developments ever proposed in the UK.
It is one of several huge sites currently proposed for Norfolk, sparking protests and objections from rural communities who fear the plants will irreparably damage the region’s countryside and lead to the loss of important farmland.
Hempnall Parish Council has organised a public meeting on April 17 at 7pm at the village hall, where it will hear from residents and pass a formal resolution on the East Pye plans.
The meeting will also explain how locals can register as interested parties with the Planning Inspectorate – a step they must take if they want their objections formally considered during the examination.
A final decision on East Pye will ultimately rest with Ed Miliband, the secretary of state for energy security and net zero.
He faces a series of major decisions on Norfolk solar applications, with the RWE’s proposed High Grove project near Dereham and Swaffham set to cover 4,000 acres and the Tasway Energy Park in South Norfolk, which would span 3,600 acres.
If approved, construction on East Pye is not expected to begin before 2028.