Sedgeford solar farm 'could power 3,500 homes', developers claim

Plans to build a large solar farm on a West Norfolk estate have been unveiled.

Developers claim their proposals for a site of around 40 hectares at Sedgeford Hall would provide enough power for the equivalent of around 3,500 homes.

And a decision on the scheme could be made as early as this summer.

The proposals for the Fring Road site come amid government calls for a surge in solar developments across Norfolk, as well as controversy about some specific schemes.

Borough councillors rejected plans for a larger installation at Walpole Marsh earlier this year, though that application is subject to appeal.

But the company behind the Sedgeford plan, Regener8 Power Ltd, says its chosen site has "very good potential" for generating electricity with minimal environmental impact.

Documents submitted to the borough council by the applicant's agent, Arcus Consultancy Services, also highlighted the authority's declaration of a climate emergency and its stated aim to reduce carbon emissions to net zero.

The agents said: "If consented, the development would contribute to the delivery of these policy objectives, diversify the energy mix and facilitate the transition to low carbon energy, whilst decreasing the dependency on fossil fuels."

Concerns about the loss of agricultural land for energy production are frequently cited in objections to solar farm schemes.

But the applicants claim their proposal would be entirely on lower grade three land.

Council officials have indicated they hope a decision on the application will be reached by late July. Consultations on the proposal are ongoing.