Public consultation opens for mega High Grove Solar Farm - which could be placed on land in Swaffham, Necton, Ashill and Narborough
A company wanting to bring a mega solar farm to parts of West Norfolk has launched a public consultation this morning.
RWE, a global leader in renewable energy, wants to open the solar farm, which would be big enough to power 363,000 homes and would save 25 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over its lifetime.
The company is inviting the community to review its updated plans and have their say as part of the consultation.
As part of the plans, solar farms would be spread around Swaffham and surrounding villages, including Necton, Ashill and Narborough.
This consultation period provides an opportunity for local communities and stakeholders to review the refined plans and submit their feedback before RWE submits its development consent order (DCO) application.
The 720MW solar farm, with integrated battery storage, would “contribute significantly to the UK’s renewable energy ambitions, improving energy security and supporting the transition away from fossil fuels.
Once operational, High Grove Solar Farm would provide enough clean electricity to power approximately 363,000 homes, displacing over 24.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions – the equivalent of taking over 368,500 cars off the road for a year.
High Grove Solar Farm is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), meaning that planning consent must be obtained through a DCO application.
The Planning Inspectorate will assess the application before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who will determine whether the project proceeds.
The consultation period launched today and will run until Thursday, June 12.
The company said it “welcomes feedback from local communities and stakeholders, who are encouraged to participate by attending consultation events, reviewing project materials, and submitting their views via a feedback form”.
The following consultation periods are as follows…
Tuesday, May 6 - 1pm-2pm, Online webinar
Frida,y May 9 – 2pm-6:30pm, Necton Community Centre, PE37 8EH
Saturd,ay May 10 – 10am-3pm, Ashill Community Centre, IP25 7AX
Saturday, May 17 – 1pm-5pm, Sporle Village Hall, PE32 2DR
Wednesday, May 21 – 2pm-7pm, Swaffham Town Hall (Upper Chamber), PE37 7DQ
Tuesday June 3– 6pm-7pm, Online webinar
