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Search the Public Notice PortalPlans for a huge solar farm in Norfolk could create major safety issues for drivers on the A47, National Highways has warned.
The government’s arm’s-length highways body says the developer behind the Droves solar farm, on 2,075 acres of countryside between Swaffham and Castle Acre, wants access to eight plots it is responsible for off the slip road at the junction where the A47 meets the A1065.
But officials claim signing over this land to developer Island Green Power would mean it is effectively relinquishing its duties to keep drivers safe on the A47.
In response to questions posed by the planning inspectorate, National Highways said: "The applicant seeks temporary rights over eight plots of land on slip roads at the A47 junction with the A1065 for which National Highways owns the title and/or has an interest.
"National Highways objects to this temporary acquisition of all these plots as it would fetter its duties in respect of road safety."
Senior figures at the body say it has requested more detailed information from the developer about the expected traffic impacts at the A47 junction.
A spokesman said it is working with Island Green to "ensure abnormal loads can use the junction safely".
The government will have the final say on the project due to its scale.
If backed by Miatta Fahnbulleh, the newly-appointed energy secretary, the solar farm would be built on land north of Swaffham and south of Castle Acre.
The scheme would generate up to 500 megawatts of electricity, creating power for 115,000 homes a year.
It would rank among the biggest solar farms in the UK and is one of several renewable energy schemes earmarked for Norfolk.
The 4,000-acre High Grove solar farm will be as close as 900 metres from the Droves, while the East Pye solar farm will comprise 2,700 acres of land across South Norfolk.
A spokesman for the Droves solar farm said: "We continue to discuss these matters with National Highways and are confident that we can reach an agreement that addresses their points, protects the safety of all road users and delivers the Droves project effectively.
"We are seeking only temporary acquisition over plots owned by National Highways to ensure the necessary works can be carried out as part of the project.”
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