Solar farm set to be approved despite objections

16 hours ago

Joao Santos

Local Democracy Reporting Service

The developers say the solar farm near Wissett could power over 10,500 homes

Pathfinder Clean Energy ULDev Limited An artist's impression of the solar farm on green land. A fence sits in front of the solar panels as well as small trees. — The developers say the solar farm near Wissett could power over 10,500 homes

A solar farm plan that received hundreds of objections and one letter of support has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) ULDev Limited wants to build the solar farm on land north of Gray's Lane in Wissett near Halesworth, Suffolk.

It submitted plans to East Suffolk Council in August 2022 which have so far received 238 negative responses from the public as well as formal objections from nearby parish councils.

The application will be discussed by the council on Tuesday.

Plans for the solar farm have been altered by the developer and it is now proposed to cover 41.7 hectares (103 acres) - less than half the area of the original plan.

One representation was received in support of the proposals, citing the need to embrace green energy projects and the need to rise above "nimbyism" (Not In My Back Yard).

But concerns cited by objectors include food security, location, landscape and visual harm, heritage harm and a lack of water supply, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Wissett, Spexhall, Rumburgh and Halesworth parish councils have objected to the plan.

PACE wants to build the solar farm off Gray's Lane near Wissett

Google A view of Gray's Lane. It is a single track road with trees and bushes that line either side. A field can be seen to the right hand side of the road. — PACE wants to build the solar farm off Gray's Lane near Wissett

The solar farm is proposed alongside a battery energy storage, consisting of 23 battery storage containers and seven inverter units, ancillary infrastructure and fencing.

It would operate for 40 years before being returned to its original condition, with ecological enhancements, and have the capacity for 27 megawatts, producing enough energy to power 10,518 homes in the district.

A statement submitted by PACE said the solar farm would provide low cost, clean power to businesses and employ local people during construction, with the additional power supplied to the grid helping to support housing development in the area.

Although planning officers at East Suffolk Council recognised the harm to heritage assets, landscape and visual impact, amenity and agricultural land, they concluded these were outweighed by the social and economic benefits of the scheme.

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