Developer British Solar Renewables has secured planning permission for two solar farms near Saxmundham in Suffolk.
Now approved by East Suffolk Council, Park Farm solar park will generate up to 21MWp, the notional equivalent of the power needs of just over 5,000 family homes, and displace 4,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
In January, the same authority green-lit the nearby Town Farm Solar project, with a similar generating capacity.
Together the projects will generate enough renewable energy to meet the electrical needs of over 10,000 family homes, while helping East Suffolk Council tackle its declared Climate Emergency.
Both projects include a series of ecological enhancements, such as species-rich grassland, re-planted native hedgerow, and the creation of meadow grassland beneath and between the solar panels.
Over its 29 hectares, the Town Farm development will deliver a 178% net gain in nesting units and a 52% net gain in hedgerows. Park Farm Solar Park also boasts a 106% net gain in habitat units for wildlife and a 116% net gain in hedgerow units.
British Solar Renewables is the UK’s largest privately-owned, integrated solar developer, with more than 700MW of solar PV delivered.
Its 57 UK projects include two in Wiltshire with aviation connections; the 250-acre Bradenstoke park on the old RAF Lyneham airbase, and the Swindon Solar Park, built on the old RAF Wroughton air yard and military hospital. At just under 70W, Bradenstoke was then Britain’s biggest solar farm when completed in the early 20teens.
The developer also has projects in Australia and the Netherlands.
East Suffolk is among councils to have declared a climate emergency in recognition of the need for urgent action to combat climate change. The develolers contend that the two solar parks will play an important part in meeting the authority’s climate action framework. BSR has established a community benefit fund, assisting parish councils with funds from both projects.
Carla Hardaker, the firm’s development director, said: “These two projects exemplify our commitment to leading the charge towards a greener future.
“We are proud to pioneer a new era of responsible renewable energy development—one that not only generates clean electricity but also enriches the local ecosystem througbh ecological enhancements”.
