New Norfolk solar farm set to be approved
It would cover over 250 acres of land
Last updated 7th Feb 2023
Plans for a massive solar farm in Norfolk, on land next to an area thought to have been settled by the Romans, are set to be decided.
The project, known as JAFA Solar Farm, is proposed to be built on roughly 254 acres of land, west of Palgrave Road and between the villages of Great Dunham and Little Dunham, near Swaffham.
Planning officials at Breckland Council have recommended the scheme for approval, ahead of a meeting next Tuesday.
The land is currently used for growing food and will be removed from production for 40 years.
In their letter to the planning committee, Great Dunham Parish Council warned of the “probable Roman settlement in the locality of the development site”, along with Anglo-Saxon finds, and whether they would be affected.
Little Dunham Parish Council meanwhile said they could support the application on condition of better landscape mitigation, a plan for the movement of HGVs during construction, and time limits for the hours in which air-conditioning fans would be allowed to operate.
Twenty-eight letters of objection and 74 in support have been submitted to the authority.
Objections to the plans
Many of the objections focused on the loss of food production land, how visible the panels would be and the impact on the local environment.
One said the area is picturesque and it would be a “blot on the landscape”.
Other solar farms have been rejected due to their loss of agricultural land, including one at Sedgeford by West Norfolk Council.
Supporters argue it will help the UK move away from gas, coal and oil and help meet the country’s needs during an ongoing energy crisis.
A statement submitted on behalf of the developer, Low Carbon Solar Park 15 Ltd, said the project would generate around 49.9 megawatts of renewable energy – enough electricity to power roughly 16,500 homes annually.