Plans for Hessett solar farm on arable fields submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council

A solar farm could be built on arable farmland in a village near Bury St Edmunds.

Mid Suffolk District Council is considering a proposal by applicants OPDE UK Ltd for Valley Farm, in Hessett, for the installation and operation of a solar farm together with all associated works, equipment and infrastructure.

If approved, the 38.6 hectare Valley Solar Farm would have capacity up to 42 mega watts and be capable of supplying energy to 9,660 homes, supplied via the National Grid through a connection within the site.

The proposed scheme is east of Bury Road, about 1km north of Gedding, 1km west of Drinkstone Green and 8km south-east of Bury St Edmunds, on land bordered on all sides by undeveloped agricultural land and woodland.

As well as approximately 75,000 solar panels, the development would include inverters and transformers, sub-stations, a control room, deer fencing and CCTV.

A design and access statement submitted to planners said the total construction period was ‘unlikely to exceed 48 weeks’.

Once up and running, sheep grazing could be accommodated beneath and between the panels, while it is estimated the solar farm would be in operation for 40 years.