Mega solar farm plan for farmland at Brookeville

A solar farm the size of 46 football pitches could be built in a tiny West Norfolk hamlet.

Sky UK Development has revealed its plans for a 74-acre facility on farmland in Brookeville. The scheme is backed by Octopus Energy, one of the biggest renewable energy companies in the UK.

Named Green Lane Solar Park, it would be located at Meadow Farm, where a solar farm is already in operation, and will be built on two parcels of land at the site.

Sky UK Development say it will be capable of producing 15 megawatts (MW) of power.

“A solar park of this size will generate a significant amount of electricity from renewable sources, therefore offsetting the need for power generation from the combustion of fossil fuels, including coal and oil,” the firm has said.

A consultation has been launched by the firm and a public event is due to be held on June 10 at St George’s Hall in Methwold.

Following feedback from the public, a formal planning application will be submitted to West Norfolk Council later this year.

The project is one of a number of solar farms proposed for Norfolk, many of which have generated strong opposition from locals concerned about the loss of farmland.

These include: one, as yet unnamed, near the village of Gissing which would cover around 5,000 acres, East Pye, (2,700 acres) around several villages near Long Stratton; High Grove (4,000 acres), near Dereham and Swaffham; the Droves (2,800 acres), near Swaffham; and another Long Stratton scheme (2,500 acres).

More details on the Brookeville scheme can be found on the website: assetface.com/greenlanesolarpark