A proposed solar farm in Wissett may power over 10,500 homes. Initial plans faced objections, but planners now recommend approval.
The solar farm would be north of Gray’s Lane in Wissett, near Halesworth. The solar farm idea changed a lot since then. It now covers 41.7 hectares, less than half originally planned. Some locals still don’t want it.
The council got 238 objections by letter and email. Wissett, Spexhall, Rumburgh, and Halesworth councils objected too. People worry about food, the view, and water issues.
One person supports the solar farm’s proposal. They said we need green energy and want to avoid “not in my backyard” attitudes.
The solar farm includes battery storage, which has 23 containers and seven inverters, and there’s also fencing. It would run for 40 years, then go back to normal. The farm produces 27 megawatts, enough for 10,518 homes locally.
PACE said they’ll provide cheap, clean power. They’ll also hire local workers during building, and they’re helping local housing get power.
East Suffolk Council knows there are some downsides. The farm impacts heritage, views, and farmland. Social and economic upsides outweigh these effects, though. Planners suggest approving the application. The district council’s committee will discuss it on Tuesday.
