Major plans for solar farm in Wissett, near Halesworth, could power more than 10,500 homes if approved
Major plans for a solar farm capable of powering more than 10,500 homes in a district have been recommended for approval.
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) ULDev Limited submitted the initial bid to East Suffolk Council for a new solar farm on land north of Gray’s Lane, in Wissett, near Halesworth, in August 2022.
Although the scheme has since changed significantly, with the solar farm now proposed to cover 41.7 hectares – less than half of the original plans – it has continued to attract local opposition.
In total, the application received 238 negative letters, emails, or comments as well as formal objections from Wissett, Spexhall, Rumburgh and Halesworth parish councils.
Among the concerns were food security, location, landscape and visual harm, heritage harm and lack of water supply.
One representation was received in support of the proposals, citing the need to embrace green energy projects and the need to rise above nimbyism.
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.
The application has been recommended for approval. It will be discussed during Tuesday’s meeting of the district council’s planning committee.
