Massive North Norfolk solar farm given go ahead to remain in place until 2052
The Bunkers Hill solar farm was originally set to be dismantled in 2039
A massive solar farm in the Norfolk countryside looks set to be given the green light to stay in place for an extra 13 years.
Developers want to keep the 82,280-panel solar scheme on Bunkers Hill in Egmere – which powers around 5,200 homes a year – in place until 2052.
The 118-acre site – roughly equivalent to 59 football pitches – on the old RAF North Creake airbase between Fakenham and Wells was built in 2014 and was originally due to be removed in 2039.
Officials at North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) are recommending the extension be approved.
Ahead of a planning meeting on Thursday to determine the application, CPRE Norfolk, a countryside charity, has argued against the panels staying in place.
CPRE said the scheme results in the loss of land for food production.
It argues that the tops of buildings and brownfield sites are more suitable for solar panels.
However, NNDC planning officers dismissed their concerns.
They said: “Extending the operation where this is viable to do so and where there are no wider impacts from its continuation is a rational sustainable approach.
“The land can be used for grazing purposes and is reversible when the solar farm is decommissioned.”