Plans for a solar farm the size of 204 football pitches in Holbeach St Matthew have been submitted.
Green Energy International is looking to build 5,000 solar panels and a substation over 110 hectares (271 acres) at Caudwell Farm.
A consultation was launched in August 2021 with the plans having now been submitted.
The application is for the infrastructure to be in place for 40 years, documents submitted as part of the application state.
Following the consultation the company says it’s incorporated a new ‘footpath loop’ into the site with seating arrangements as well as markers to encourage sports training.
It’s also proposing to engage with local schools by offering educational trips, creating a pond and a ‘community orchard’ as part of measures, the documents claim will result in a biodiversity net gain of 17.48 per cent for habitat units and 94.35 per cent for hedgerow units, with a significant improvement in the support for wildlife and the biodiversity of the site.
“The proposed community orchard will consist of a variety of local and English fruit tree varieties, providing a sustainable source of food, supporting local biodiversity, and promoting environmentally friendly practices,” the document continues. “The orchard will also be a valuable resource for the local community, offering access to fresh, locally grown fruit, and enhancing community cohesion.
“The ongoing management of the orchard will require community involvement, providing opportunities for education and skill-building.”
The documents also state the public raised concerns on a lack of information being available as well as the concerns over the loss of agricultural land.
“Any temporary loss of agricultural land to renewable energy production does not materially affect the overall farming operations and the land owner appreciates the potential benefit for the land in longer term through resting it from intensive agricultural practices,” it states.
“The land will be sown to grassland prior to the installation of the solar panels, will be retained in grassland for 40 years and used for sheep grazing.
“This will allow a gradual restoration of the organic matter levels that have dwindled gradually from an all-arable rotation. Following de-commissioning the land will be returned to full agricultural use.
“In that context the landowner is content to make the land available for this important renewable energy project.”
