Quintas Cleantech launches consultation for River Linnet solar farm project, near Stonecross Green, Horringer and Whepstead

Consultation has begun for a proposed solar farm near a Suffolk river that could generate enough electricity to power 12,000 homes per year.

Quintas Cleantech has launched the public consultation for its River Linnet Solar project — a 79-hectare solar farm on land north of Stonecross Green next to the A143 Poulters Lane, approximately 500m from Horringer and 1.2km from Whepstead.

Residents will have the opportunity to share their views on the proposal between Thursday, March 13 and Thursday, April 10 before an application is submitted to West Suffolk District Council.

Daniel Elvin, senior planning manager at Quintas Cleantech, said: “River Linnet Solar is a ground-breaking project that will give the opportunity to the local community to own part of the scheme.

“Our approach to the development will enable the local community to own part of the project, contribute to decisions about the project, and benefit directly from its performance. This model is widely used for wind farms and this will be one of the first solar farms of this scale that is implementing it in England.”

As part of the consultation, a community drop-in event will take place on Thursday, April 3 at Whepstead Community Centre from 3pm to 7pm.

For those unable to attend in person, feedback can also be submitted online at www.riverlinnetsolar.co.uk, by post to FREEPOST TC CONSULTATION (no stamp required), by email at info@riverlinnetsolar.co.uk or by phone on 0800 699 0081.

The deadline for comments or feedback on the plans is midnight on Thursday, April 10.

Mr Elvin added: “This vitally important project will contribute to the UK’s energy security, reducing our reliance on expensive foreign energy imports and help achieve the UK Government’s renewable energy goals.

“We look forward to hearing from residents and meeting them in-person at our community drop-in event.”

Ollie Pendered, CEO of Community Energy Pathways, said: “Shared Ownership is one of the ways we can democratise the energy transition and make sure the benefits from renewables projects like the River Linnet Solar Farm are felt where they are most needed, in the vicinity of the project itself.

“Community Energy Pathways, and our partner groups within the wider area are very excited to be partnering with Quintas on this project in and look forward to the exciting next steps on this journey.”