Palgrave solar woes set to almost double as 140-acre farm project follows approval for 200-acre site

Still in the process of coming to terms with the approval of a 200-acre solar farm on its doorstep, a village has been hit by another application which would see neighbouring fields covered in more solar panels.

Palgrave’s Grange Farm project and the most recentl site would sit beside each other to form 340 acres of solar panels, if the long-awaited second application for land north of Lion Road, which has now been put forward, is approved.

Opposition to the most recent application, which was submitted on November 21, may be limited, with the leader of a local campaign group having said she will never campaign again after the previous application was approved.

Speaking after the decision, Palgrave resident Anne Moynihan told the Diss Express: “I’ll never campaign against anything ever again, because there is no point.”

“This part of East Anglia is earmarked to become industrialised, and will no longer be countryside. They haven’t taken our concerns on board in any way, or at any point in the proceedings.

“Given everything I have seen or heard since the September planning meeting, it felt like this decision was a foregone conclusion.

“I also now fully understand how powerless we are to protect what we have in the face of an ideology that is being promoted by officers and councillors.”

Aura Power Developments Limited, who have submitted the latest proposal, described the farm as including panels, access tracks, an electrical connection compound, cables, fencing and associated infrastructure.

The developer said: “The design of the solar farm has evolved through extensive community engagement and we thank everyone for their feedback.

“We do recognise the local sensitivity of the application with regards to the recently approved Grange Solar Farm and National Grid infrastructure, and it is our intention to continue work with the Planning Authority and local community to bring forward a scheme that minimises local impact and promotes significant benefits. These developments are a critical part in the UK's strategy to reduce carbon emissions, decarbonise our electricity supply and reach net-zero.

“Marsh Lane Solar Farm will not only provide clean, renewable energy for around 12,000 homes but also improve habitats for wildlife through extensive planting, with a predicted biodiversity net gain of 166%.

“Mid Suffolk Council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and aims to become carbon neutral by 2030. Projects like Marsh Lane solar farm, which can be deployed quickly, can provide immediate solutions to address both the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis supporting Mid Suffolk’s commendable carbon reduction and biodiversity targets.

“Food production will continue with sheep grazing and the income generated from the solar farm will allow the three farmers involved to continue farming their remaining land with more certainty, as farming becomes increasingly more challenging in the UK.

“Community engagement is an ongoing process and our team welcomes the opportunity to speak further with residents, Councillors during and following the determination of the planning application."

The site will span around 140 acres if work goes ahead, covering agricultural land that villagers have claimed, supports food security and biodiversity in the area.

Speaking at a meeting in September, Neil Weston, chairman of Palgrave Parish Council, said: “There’s been extensive consultation and the vast majority oppose it. Is it right that the vast majority of local residents should be ignored?”

Among the issues raised with national infrastructure projects, is the applicant’s potential to appeal any decision directly to the Secretary of State, effectively bypassing local scrutiny.