Plans for a new solar farm next to Sutton Bridge Power Station have been given the thumbs up.
EDF Renewable Energy says the development on the bank of the River Nene and on part of the site of the former RAF Sutton Bridge could power up to 16,100 homes for up to 40 years.
South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee unanimously approved the plans at its meeting last night Wednesday (March 11).
Andrew Bennett, the project manager for the solar farm, told the meeting the reason the site off Centenary Way was chosen is because it was the lowest value agricultural land close enough to a main energy hub.
“As part of EDF Renewables we’re committed to realising renewable energy projects across the country and our proposed solar farm at Sutton Bridge is an integral part of our objective to contribute to a net-zero future.” he said.
“We will create business opportunities and economic activity that will contribute to the country’s green recovery post COVID.
“We’re committed to the local communities where we work and we wish to see the local community benefit from our renewable energy projects and as standard we offer a fund for the lifetime of the project to enhance the local community.”
The meeting heard public consultations had been held and there were no objections from the general public or from consultants such as Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Historic England.
The only objection came from South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes who said he was concerned about the loss of agricultural land and that it would have “a detrimental effect on the Fenland landscape”.
Councillors praised a pledge by EDF to have a £10,000 a year fund for projects in Sutton Bridge for the duration of the site’s operation.
“I think that’s a very good step,” Coun Roger Gambba-Jones said. “I don’t know if it’s a record but it’s a significant area of panels to be developed and I hope they get some credit for doing that in Sutton Bridge and it’s acknowledged for doing that over the period. It’s a shame they’re taking so much trouble to hide it in some ways as I think it’ll be pretty damn impressive when it’s in place.
Coun Andrew Woolf added: “If you’re going to build a solar farm, you’re probably going to want it near a wind farm and a power station. I’m delighted to see the developer contribution. That’s £10,000 which looks like it’s going to be well spent in Sutton Bridge.
“I’m also pleased to see that after 40 years, this land could potentially go back to being agricultural land.”
