New solar farm could be built near the Norfolk-Suffolk border

Plans have been lodged for the 100-hectare site in the Waveney Valley, near the villages of Barsham, Shipmeadow and Ilketshall St Andrew.

The scheme is part of wider efforts to reduce the UK's reliance on fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy, which have seen several massive solar arrays built in the region.

However, the growth of such sites has raised concerns over the loss of vital agricultural land, prompting recent moves by the government to reduce the amount of farmland which can be covered with panels.

The new Suffolk project would be split into two separate arrays on land south of the B1062.

The developer RES organised a consultation event at Ringsfield Hall, on Wednesday, November 23. 

Gerald Godfrey, a farmer and chairman of Ilketshall parish council, voiced concerns about the loss of farmland.

“I feel sad that they are taking up good arable land," he said.

“There is a massive food shortage as it is and more emphasis on helping farmers would be nice.

“We are lucky to have a thriving owl population in the area and I do not see how owls will be able to hunt.  

“It would be great for hedgehogs who would be able to nestle under the panels of course.”   

Map of the proposed site (Image: Scott Griffin)

Toby Hammond, who lives near the proposed site, backed the scheme but said it should bring direct benefits to locals. 

“We urgently need to build a lot more homegrown renewable energy," he said.

“But communities impacted by these developments must be given a significant stake in the projects.

“The landowners and developers stand to make healthy profits.

“Why can’t the residents of Shipmeadow and Ilketshall St Andrew hosting it in their community also see benefits in the form of financial equity in the project? 

“That way it would be our solar farm too. Many concerned residents would feel differently about these proposals if that were the case.”

Mr Hammond, a Green Party member, said the scheme would not necessarily exclude farming activity from the land.

“Solar farms can be designed such that livestock can graze between the rows," he added.

Bob Spruce, chairman of the Waveney Beekeepers Group, based in Barsham, said: “We can’t rely on oil and gas forever. If wildflowers are planted in between the panels, it would be very good for bees and other insects too.”

Callum Whiteford, from developer RES, said: “Solar projects like Shipmeadow contribute to net zero targets, enable more energy to be generated domestically improve the security of supply, and are the cheapest form of new electricity generation, alongside wind.

"That means Shipmeadow Solar Farm would not only be good for the environment, but also for consumers. If consented, Shipmeadow Solar Farm would be capable of generating up to 40MW of clean, low-cost renewable electricity.”

Beekeeper, Bob Spruce (Image: Archant)

Toby Hammond at the western sector of the eastern proposed site (Image: Bruno Brown)

The map of environmental designations (Image: Scott Griffin)

Field numbers have been considered (Image: Scott Griffin)